Raw Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant

Episode: Gunther Predicts PAIN for John Cena’s Last Match: Raw Recap, Dec. 8, 2025
Date: December 9, 2025
Podcast: WWE x Fanatics Podcasts

Overview

This episode delivers a jam-packed backstage pass to the December 8th edition of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, focusing on the explosive developments leading into John Cena’s final WWE match against Gunther. Hosts Sam Roberts and Megan Morant break down all the major storylines: from Gunther’s chilling predictions to the ongoing mystery of the masked man, the red-hot tag divisions, and a rapidly intensifying landscape in both the men’s and women’s rosters. Special guest Big E joins to unpack the reunion of The Usos, the significance of new exhibition matches, and, most importantly, how WWE history is about to be changed forever.

Main Themes and Discussion Points

John Cena vs. Gunther: The Countdown to the End

Gunther’s Position as Cena’s Final Opponent

• The show opens by addressing the huge announcement: Gunther will face John Cena in his retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event (01:31).
• Fans have mixed feelings, fearing that Gunther’s "finality" could mar Cena’s celebratory send-off. Sam and Megan debate whether WWE audiences are emotionally prepared to see a definitive ending for Cena.

Gunther’s Psychological Warfare

• Gunther displays a countdown clock, marking the literal end of Cena’s career—a psychological tactic reminiscent of Cena’s own past mind games (02:29).
• "There is a reality that we always talk about that comes with Gunter." – Megan (04:09)
• Gunther’s promise to make Cena "give up," not just lose, is uniquely chilling. Cena is famous for his resilience—seeing him tap could shatter decades of ‘never give up’ mythology.

Does Cena Stand a Chance?

• The hosts reflect on Cena’s legacy: unlike other wrestling ‘GOATs’, Cena’s story is defined just as much by his crushing losses as his victories.
  "The thing about John Cena is… he’s unique… he’s lost a lot. And I think he’s lost more matches than people even mention." – Sam (06:09)
• Sam fiercely defends the possibility that Cena could go out triumphantly, subverting the bleak expectations Gunther is sowing.

Fan Preparation for Loss

• "I think everybody right now is sort of preparing themselves for the worst, because you have to." – Megan (12:40)
• The emotional complexity of Cena’s final match is highlighted: will this be a celebration, or the most devastating ending in WWE history?

Notable Quote:
“Gunther says he’s going to make John Cena do something he’s never done before. And that’s give up.” – Megan Moran (08:09)

Timestamps:

• Gunther vs. Cena anticipation: 01:31–13:31
• Analysis of the match’s emotional stakes: 06:09–08:44

The Masked Man Mysteries

• After a brief hiatus, the “Masked Man” appears twice on this episode, clouding Raw in intrigue (18:29).
  • First, during an attack on Rey Mysterio post-Logan Paul ambush.
  • Then, at the main event between Logan Paul and LA Knight, stomping Knight on a table and opening the possibility of inside interference.
• Theories swirl: Could the masked man be Seth Rollins, KSI, or someone embedded deep in the Vision?
  • "Everyone’s a body language expert now. Zooming in on the eyes, the stomp…" – Sam (20:04)
• The hosts eliminate suspects live: It’s not LA Knight (“the masked man’s boot was imprinted in the back of LA Knight,” Megan, 24:37). Speculation continues regarding Seth Rollins, whose injury status and past double-dealing raise suspicions.

Timestamps:

• Masked man segment opens: 18:29
• “Is it Seth?” debate: 26:13–27:57

Tag Team Explosions: The Usos Return

The Usos Reunite—Men’s Tag Division Uproar

• Jay Uso, downtrodden after multiple single failures, is rejoined by Jimmy for a heartfelt backstage segment (39:36).
• Sam quotes the emotional moment: “We got to get back to us. We got to block out the noise.”
• Big E offers unique insight, likening Jey’s volatility to a “diva wide receiver,” noting how being with Jimmy brings out his best, and the chemistry instantly clicks.
  • "They feel even stronger than ever, which is kind of crazy to think for… the greatest tag team of all time." – Big E (45:06)

Women’s Tag Scene Heats Up

• Liv Morgan’s smooth reintroduction, her selfless team-first attitude, and the sideline drama with Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez is discussed. Both Sam and Big E praise Liv, while Megan voices surprise at Raquel’s bold title challenge, highlighting the depth and unpredictability of the division (49:16–51:41).

Timestamps:

• Uso’s emotional promo #1: 39:36–44:48
• Women’s tag and Liv Morgan segment: 49:16–53:28

Main Event Injuries & The Vision's Dominance

• LA Knight, the perennial underdog, takes a “tsunami” splash from Bronson Reed on top of a car, after being stomped by the masked man (33:44–34:35). The hosts speculate on LA Knight’s resilience and future after this chaos.
• The Vision faction’s growing power (with possible masked man reinforcements) has made them, in Sam’s words, "the most in control they’ve ever been" (34:59).

Timestamps:

• LA Knight attacked: 33:44–34:35
• The Vision’s ascendance: 34:59

Building to Saturday Night's Main Event: NXT and Cross-Promotion

• Three massive exhibition matches at Cena's final show highlight WWE's investment in its future:
  1. AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans (NXT) & Leon Slater (TNA):
     “These two together—so athletic, so dynamic, so creative. …This match is going to be a barnburner.” – Big E (55:28)
  2. Bayley vs. Sol Ruka:
     “She went from ‘you gotta see this girl’s move’ to ‘you have to see this performer.’” – Sam (57:24–58:03)
  3. Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi:
     “Oba Femi…future WrestleMania main-eventer…already ready…Don’t walk away for a second, don’t blink because this man is the truth.” – Big E (61:07)

Timestamps:

• WWE x NXT/TNA exhibition analysis: 55:28–62:56

Big E’s Perspective & The Gravity of Cena’s Retirement

• Special guest Big E joins to breakdown the emotional, historical, and competitive weight of Cena's last match.
• Gunther’s determination is seen as almost sadistic—a destroyer dead-set on not just beating, but humiliating Cena. Sam and Big E agree: if Gunther succeeds, this becomes a defining chapter in WWE lore that may scare other legends from ever taking “one last run.”
• "The last time they ever see you is going to be when you give up—that, boy, that is a statement.” – Big E (63:51)
• “Retiring Goldberg and retiring John Cena are not even remotely equivalent…” – Sam (66:27)
• A collective sense of dread and anticipation hangs over the hosts: “It’s going to be emotional, man. It’s going to be really, really emotional. I can’t wait to see it—but I don’t want to see it.” – Sam (68:10)

Timestamps:

• Big E on the magnitude of Gunther vs. Cena: 63:51–68:10

Notable/Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Gunther’s chilling intent:
  "He wants to ruin it. He wants to ruin the thing. What have I told you? We can't have nice things." – Sam Roberts (10:55)
• On Cena’s unique story:
  "The thing about John Cena is… he’s unique… he’s lost a lot. And I think he’s lost more matches than people even mention." – Sam Roberts (06:09)
• Masked man speculation:
  "We're all body language experts now. Zooming in on the eyes, the stomp…" – Sam (20:04)
• Big E on the Usos:
  "They feel even stronger than ever, which is kind of crazy to think for… the greatest tag team of all time." – Big E (45:06)
• Big E on Gunther’s legacy:
  "…when this man speaks, when he had that opening promo, talking about what he was going to do to John Cena, I believe every single word he says." – Big E (63:51)

Key Segment Timestamps

• 01:31 – Cena vs. Gunther build-up and stakes
• 08:09 – Gunther's promise to make Cena give up
• 18:29 – Masked man attacks and ongoing mystery
• 33:44 – LA Knight injury and escalation
• 39:36 – The Usos reunite; breakdown with Big E
• 49:16 – Women's tag division heat and Liv Morgan’s comeback
• 55:28 – Cross-brand NXT/TNA exhibition matches
• 63:51 – Big E on Gunther/Cena’s legacy and gravity

Takeaways for Listeners

Even if you missed this week’s Raw, this recap episode immerses you in every layer of the action, intrigue, and emotion unfolding as WWE approaches Cena’s grand finale. From Gunther’s ominous taunts to shocking ambushes, tag team resurgences, and breakout newcomers ready to grab the spotlight, the stakes have rarely been higher. The question looms larger than ever: who will write the last page in John Cena’s legendary story, and what will the WWE landscape look like once the dust settles?

Stay tuned for a special post-Saturday Night’s Main Event episode, as Sam, Megan, and Big E unpack the aftermath of John Cena’s last stand.