On the December 8, 2025 episode of WWE Raw, three storylines pushed the show into high gear: Gunther set his sights on John Cena, a masked assailant blindsided Rey Mysterio, and AJ Styles held onto his title via count-out. The developments hinted at big-ticket matches and a looming whodunnit, setting up a tense end-of-year stretch for WWE.
Why These Moments Matter
Gunther’s challenge to John Cena adds star power to a winter schedule that often relies on bold teases to keep fans hooked. Cena, a 16-time world champion, is the sport’s evergreen draw. Gunther, who cemented his reputation with a record-long run as Intercontinental Champion in 2023, thrives on hard-hitting matches and methodical pacing.
The attack on Rey Mysterio raises immediate concerns about his health and the identity of the assailant. Mysterio, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023, remains one of the most respected figures in the ring. Any injury scare around him carries emotional weight with fans.
AJ Styles, a former multi-time world champion, keeping gold on a technicality invites questions about his next challenger and whether a decisive finish is near. Count-outs protect champions, but they rarely calm a restless crowd.
“make John Cena tap out”
That was the message from Gunther, whose calm threats tend to land harder than shouting ever could. It is an audacious target. Cena’s submission losses are rare, and his never-say-quit image is part of the company’s fabric.
Gunther’s Challenge To Cena
Submission talk from Gunther is more than bravado. He can punish opponents with a rear naked choke, a brutal Boston crab, and crushing holds after spine-rattling chops. His style is simple and merciless. Cena counters with a size edge, heavy strikes, and deep reserves of grit, capped by the STF.
A match between the two would be a clash of philosophies. Gunther wears opponents down like clockwork. Cena plays the long game, feeding off crowd energy and comeback momentum. If booked, a submission finish would be a headline-maker on any card.
Masked Attacker Targets Rey Mysterio
“the masked man attacks Rey Mysterio”
The attack taps into a classic wrestling trope: the mystery assailant. In Mysterio’s case, it also cuts at his identity. The mask is sacred in lucha libre, and an attacker hiding behind one adds a layer of insult.
WWE has used similar angles to launch grudges and reveal surprise rivals. The questions are straightforward and urgent: Was this personal, or an opportunist making a name? The answer will likely guide Rey’s next feud, and could set up a high-stakes match where the mask—and pride—are front and center.
Styles Holds Onto Gold By Count-Out
“AJ Styles retains by count-out.”
Count-outs trigger mixed reactions. They keep a champion safe while stoking demand for a rematch. Styles is no stranger to controversial finishes, but he usually thrives when the bell demands a clear winner. Expect a follow-up with tighter rules, whether that means no count-outs, no disqualifications, or a steel cage to keep the fight contained.
For the challenger left empty-handed, the argument writes itself: the champion survived, but did not win. That claim tends to get results—and one more meeting.
What The Numbers Say
- John Cena: 16-time world champion, famous for comeback wins.
- Gunther: Longest Intercontinental Title reign on record in 2023.
- Rey Mysterio: Hall of Famer known for resilience and masked legacy.
- AJ Styles: Multi-time world champion with big-match pedigree.
What Comes Next
Gunther’s submission vow, if granted a stage against Cena, could headline a premium event and test the limits of both men’s endurance. Mysterio’s attacker will be a weekly mystery until clues surface—gloves, boots, height, or a slip of the tongue often give the game away on Raw or SmackDown.
Styles’ count-out escape suggests an inevitable rematch with stakes that force a finish. WWE tends to raise the bar after a disputed result, especially when a title is involved.
The night delivered three clear notes: a challenge that dares a legend to quit, a masked hit-and-run that demands justice, and a champion who escaped, not conquered. Fans should watch for a contract signing between Gunther and Cena, surveillance “footage” to unmask Rey’s attacker, and a stipulation match for Styles that settles the score the old-fashioned way—by pinfall or submission.
