The final Monday Night RAW of 2025 will be remembered not just as a conclusion to a calendar year, but as a monumental turning point for the tag team division that has defined much of WWE’s modern era. As the squared circle was constructed inside the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, on December 29, the atmosphere was thick with the kind of palpable electricity that usually precedes a major premium live event. The evening was structured as a double-header of championship caliber, featuring a high-stakes defense of the Women’s World Title, but the gravitational center of the night was undeniably the main event. For Jimmy and Jey Uso, the journey to this moment had been paved with familial strife, a long period of separation, and an eventual, emotional reconciliation that the WWE Universe had been clamoring to see. They stood on the precipice of history, seeking to become nine-time tag team champions, a feat that would further cement their legacy as perhaps the greatest duo to ever lace up a pair of boots.
Before the first bell of the main event could echo through the arena, the narrative tension was established in the backstage area. The cameras caught up with the brothers in a quiet moment that spoke volumes about their current trajectory. It was clear that the weight of the upcoming match was sitting differently on each twin. Jey Uso, who had spent the better part of the last two years carving out a massive identity as a singles competitor, seemed hesitant, perhaps grappling with the pressure of returning to the tag team ranks where their story began. Jimmy Uso, ever the motivator, recognized that his brother needed a spark to ignite that familiar fire. In a segment that perfectly captured their unique chemistry, Jimmy worked to pull Jey out of his reserved state, pushing him to embrace the energy that has become synonymous with their recent resurgence. The transformation was visible as the "Yeet" persona took over, replacing doubt with the high-octane confidence required to face two of the most dangerous competitors on the roster.
The challengers for the night were no mere placeholders. AJ Styles, a veteran whose resume reads like a hall of fame ballot, and Dragon Lee, one of the most explosive and technically gifted high-flyers in the world today, represented a formidable alliance of experience and youthful innovation. This pairing offered a unique stylistic clash for the Usos, combining the methodical, surgical striking of Styles with the unpredictable, aerial assault of Lee. As the ring introductions began, the gravity of the match was amplified by the booming voice of Alicia Taylor. The standard television introduction was replaced with a big-fight presentation, signaling to the thousands in attendance and the millions watching at home that they were about to witness something far more significant than a routine title defense. The roar of the Orlando crowd was deafening, a testament to the enduring popularity of the brothers from San Francisco and the respect afforded to the reigning champions.
When the match finally got underway, the pacing was deliberate, with both teams testing the waters and looking for a psychological edge. The Usos utilized their unparalleled twin magic and decades of shared experience to isolate Dragon Lee early on, but the champion’s resilience was a narrative thread that ran throughout the contest. Every time it seemed the Usos were closing in on a dominant victory, the champions would find a way to shift the momentum. The crowd was on a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly when the action spilled toward the business end of the match. One of the most heart-stopping moments occurred when AJ Styles found himself in the crosshairs of an Uso Splash. As the challenger descended from the heavens, the impact seemed final, yet Styles managed to kick out at the very last millisecond, sending a shockwave of disbelief through the Kia Center. It was a clear indication that the titles would not be surrendered easily and that the Usos would have to dig deeper than they had in years.
The athleticism of Dragon Lee became a focal point as the match reached its fever pitch. With AJ Styles selling the cumulative damage of the Usos’ relentless offense, Lee took it upon himself to turn the tide. In a sequence that will undoubtedly be featured in highlight reels for years to come, Lee launched himself through the middle ropes with a suicide dive of such velocity and precision that it completely neutralized Jimmy Uso on the outside. This left the ring open for a one-on-one confrontation between Jey Uso and AJ Styles, a dream matchup that fans have debated for years. The two world-class athletes traded a flurry of strikes and counters, each man refusing to yield an inch of ground. Styles eventually found an opening to execute the Styles Clash, his signature maneuver that has ended the nights of countless legends. When the referee’s hand hit the mat for the two-count, the arena held its collective breath, but Jey managed to shoulder up, keeping the dream of a ninth title reign alive by the narrowest of margins.
The closing minutes of the encounter were a masterclass in tag team psychology and execution. As Jimmy Uso recovered and made his way back to the apron, the synergy that has defined the brothers’ career returned in full force. They began to dismantle the champions’ defense with a series of perfectly timed maneuvers that showcased why they are considered the gold standard of the division. The end came swiftly and violently for the Phenomenal One. The Usos connected with a devastating pair of stereo superkicks that rattled Styles, leaving him dazed and vulnerable. Sensing the finish, they transitioned into the 1D, the modified 3D that has become their most protected and lethal finishing move. As the referee counted the three, the explosion of noise from the Orlando faithful was a validation of the Usos’ long and winding road back to the top. The win was not just a statistical achievement; it was a symbolic reclamation of their status within the WWE hierarchy.
With this victory, Jimmy and Jey Uso officially began their ninth reign as tag team champions, an accolade that puts them in rarified air. The significance of achieving this on the final RAW of 2025 cannot be overstated. It ensures that as the company transitions into 2026, the tag team division will be led by a duo that carries both the weight of history and the momentum of the present. The landscape of the roster has changed significantly since their first title win over a decade ago, yet the Usos have remained a constant, evolving their characters and their in-ring style to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. Their ability to move from the powerhouse dominance of the Bloodline era into this new, more fan-connected "Yeet" era is a testament to their versatility and their innate understanding of the professional wrestling business.
The fallout from this match is likely to be felt across both brands as the new year begins. For AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, but their performance solidified them as a top-tier duo that can hang with the best in the world. The question now becomes who will step up to challenge the new nine-time champions. The tag team division is currently deeper than it has been in years, with several hungry teams looking to make a name for themselves at the expense of the legends. However, defeating the Usos when they are operating with this level of motivation and cohesion is a daunting task for anyone. They have proven time and again that when they are on the same page, there is no obstacle too great and no opponent too formidable.
As the cameras faded to black in Orlando, the image of the two brothers holding their titles high above their heads served as a fitting end to the year. It was a moment of triumph that transcended the scripted nature of the sport, tapping into the real-life bond that has seen them through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The journey of the Usos is a story of brotherhood, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to being the best. By securing their ninth championship, they didn’t just win a match; they added another chapter to a Hall of Fame-worthy book that is still being written. The WWE Universe now looks forward to 2026, knowing that the tag team titles are in the hands of two men who have defined the very essence of the division for a generation. The era of the nine-time champions has begun, and if history is any indication, the rest of the roster is in for a long and difficult climb if they hope to knock them off their perch.
The statistical weight of nine reigns is something that will be discussed by historians and analysts for weeks to come. In an era where the competition is more athletic and the schedule more demanding than ever before, maintaining the level of excellence required to reach the top nine separate times is nearly unprecedented. Each reign has told a different story, from their early days as colorful high-flyers to their transformation into the "Usos Penitentiary" and eventually their role as the backbone of the Bloodline. This ninth stint feels like a "greatest hits" tour that is still producing new and exciting music. It is a celebration of everything they have accomplished, but also a warning to the locker room that they have no intention of slowing down. As they celebrate in the center of the ring, surrounded by the adulation of the Florida fans, it is clear that Jimmy and Jey are exactly where they belong: at the summit of the mountain, looking down at a division they have helped build from the ground up. The road to 2026 is paved with gold, and the Usos are the ones driving the vehicle.
