Show: WWE Monday Night Raw
Date: January 5, 2026
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Theme: Netflix Anniversary Edition
Road to: Royal Rumble 2026
WWE Monday Night RAW kicked off 2026 in a major way with a story-driven episode of Monday Night RAW, featuring multiple championship changes, carefully placed backstage angles, and a World Heavyweight Championship main event. This was not a random episode — it was structured to reset RAW’s direction heading into Royal Rumble season.
Below is the complete start-to-end RAW recap, written in strict broadcast order, with every segment and key moment explained.
Opening Segment – Netflix Anniversary Atmosphere Sets the Tone
WWE Monday Night RAW opens with a special Netflix-inspired presentation, featuring darker lighting and altered visuals. Commentary immediately emphasizes that this is a milestone episode, with championships on the line and major storylines accelerating toward Royal Rumble.
The crowd energy is strong, setting expectations for a high-impact night.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Match (Opening Match)
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) (c)
vs
Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
RAW wastes no time, opening with a championship match.
The Kabuki Warriors begin with crisp teamwork, isolating IYO SKY early. Rhea Ripley’s eventual tag completely shifts momentum, as her power breaks through the champions’ control.
The closing moments see IYO SKY land a missile dropkick, allowing Ripley to finish Asuka with Riptide.
Result:
👉 Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY win – NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions
Analysis
Starting RAW with a title change immediately signals importance. Ripley and SKY are presented as a balanced powerhouse-speed duo, giving the women’s tag division renewed credibility.
Backstage Segment – New Champions Interrupted by Gunther
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY celebrate backstage when Adam Pearce congratulates them.
The mood changes as Gunther enters the frame unannounced. Gunther dismisses celebration culture, stating that dominance — not excitement — defines real champions.
Before tensions escalate, AJ Styles steps in, confronting Gunther verbally. The two exchange intense stares before Gunther walks away.
Analysis
This segment subtly ties the women’s tag title scene into larger RAW storylines while planting seeds for a future Styles vs. Gunther confrontation.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match
Maxxine Dupri (c)
vs
Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch enters with purpose.
Maxxine attempts to control the pace early, but Becky’s experience shines through as she slowly takes over. The match ends decisively when Becky locks in Dis-Arm-Her, forcing Maxxine to tap.
Result:
👉 Becky Lynch wins – NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion
Analysis
Another title change reinforces RAW as a reset episode. Becky’s win instantly elevates the Intercontinental Championship’s importance.
Backstage Interview – Becky Lynch Reacts
Becky briefly addresses the camera, stating that 2026 is about proving she still belongs at the top. No interruptions, no drama — just clarity.
Singles Match – Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria
Liv Morgan and Lyra Valkyria clash in a competitive singles match.
Lyra controls early with speed and strikes, but Liv’s resilience allows her to absorb damage and counter effectively. A missed attack from Lyra opens the door for Oblivion, ending the match.
Result:
👉 Liv Morgan wins
Analysis
This win helps reposition Liv Morgan as a consistent singles threat heading into the Royal Rumble period.
World Tag Team Champions Address RAW
The Usos enter with the World Tag Team Championships.
They speak confidently about unity, dominance, and issue an open challenge to the entire RAW tag division. No interruptions occur — this segment exists purely to establish hierarchy.
Analysis
By giving the Usos uninterrupted time, WWE reinforces them as locker-room leaders and dominant champions.
Backstage Announcement – Je’Von Evans Called Up
During a transitional backstage cut, commentary announces that Je’Von Evans has officially been called up to RAW.
No entrance or promo follows — just a straightforward announcement.
Analysis
This placement keeps the show flowing while quietly adding new depth to RAW’s roster.
Backstage Segment – Gunther Addresses the Locker Room
Gunther appears again backstage, mocking the locker room’s celebration mentality and dismissing legacy talk.
AJ Styles reappears, reigniting tension. The confrontation remains verbal, with no physical contact.
Analysis
WWE deliberately stretches this interaction across the show, building tension organically rather than rushing into violence.
Main Event Build – CM Punk Prepares
CM Punk is shown backstage walking toward the ring with the World Heavyweight Championship. Commentary highlights the danger posed by his challenger.
Main Event – World Heavyweight Championship Match
CM Punk (c)
vs
Bron Breakker
Breakker explodes out of the gate, overwhelming Punk with power and athleticism. Punk survives early pressure through experience and ring awareness.
As the match escalates, interference attempts by Breakker’s allies are neutralized by Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee, restoring order.
The final sequence sees Punk counter Breakker’s offense and connect with Go To Sleep for the pin.
Result:
👉 CM Punk retains the World Heavyweight Championship
Analysis
Punk’s victory balances veteran intelligence with Breakker’s raw intensity. The match protects Breakker while firmly establishing Punk as a resilient champion.
Final Moments – RAW Goes Off the Air
CM Punk stands in the ring holding the championship as commentary recaps:
- Multiple title changes
- New rivalries forming
- Royal Rumble implications becoming clear
RAW fades to black.
Final Results Summary
- Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY def. The Kabuki Warriors – NEW Women’s Tag Team Champions
- Becky Lynch def. Maxxine Dupri – NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion
- Liv Morgan def. Lyra Valkyria
- CM Punk (c) def. Bron Breakker – World Heavyweight Championship retained
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