On the December 16, 2024 episode of Monday Night Raw, the War Raiders won the World Tag Team Championship against The Judgment Day. Erik and Ivar dethroned Finn Balor and JD McDonagh after 175 days.
It looked like The Judgment Day was going to retain, especially when Balor attempted to cheat via chairshot. However, Damian Priest was on the other side of the chair, not allowing it to be used. Erik and Ivar used their finisher, pinning McDonagh and capturing the titles.
For the War Raiders, the victory is the perfect way to cap off an improbable comeback. But for The Judgment Day and especially Finn Balor, the dark cloud hovering over everyone got a lot darker. The title change was booked perfectly, and there are multiple reasons for that.
The Judgment Day’s Cracks Just Got Even Deeper
Things have not been looking good for The Judgment Day in recent weeks. The Terror Twins are more motivated than ever to take out Balor and Liv Morgan. Finn Balor’s authority and leadership have been called into question multiple times.
Add those two things to them losing the World Tag Team Championships, and we may be looking at some dark weeks ahead. It has been increasingly noticeable that Priest and Ripley were the glue that held everything together.
Since their departure, there has been a lot of tense moments and losses within the group. Finn Balor’s leadership hasn’t been really successful, and if things don’t change, he may be on the outside looking in.
Erik and Ivar Deserve Their Tag Team Win
When the War Raiders returned to Monday Night Raw on the October 14, 2024 episode, it wasn’t just a simple return. Both of them had their careers put in jeopardy, with a chance that a reunion wouldn’t happen.
Erik had neck fusion surgery in November 2023, while Ivar suffered a neck injury against Oba Femi at Spring Breakin’ in April 2024. Ivar revealed that he has permanent nerve damage due to the injury and a previous neck fusion surgery. There was a point in time when it looked like they were both done with wrestling.
However, through months of physical therapy and rehabilitation, they both made it back to the ring. Winning tag team gold is special, but it’s even more so coming back from near career-ending injuries. The War Raiders came back from horrific injuries to capture the World Tag Team Championship, capping off an amazing comeback story.
Both the Judgment Day and War Raiders Have a Path Forward
There are some instances where a title change is necessary to move a story forward. Doing so can help both parties involved, which is what happened here. The Judgment Day can deal with their Finn Balor situation and hopefully resolve their issues.
The War Raiders have titles after injuries that could’ve ended both of their careers. Usually, when a title change happens, there are usually dissension and complaints from the losing side’s fans.
However, there is a clear path where fans of both pairs can feel satisfied. It was a feel-good moment that didn’t affect the losing pair immensely. Heading into the new year and Raw on Netflix, it’s clear that both The Judgment Day and the War Raiders have stories that have just begun.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content on the WWE Network and Peacock.
