WWE Raw Preview 1/12/26 – Special Start Time, Match Card, How to Watch

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

WWE⁢ Raw: Düsseldorf ⁣Delivers dream Match, Championship Updates, ⁣and royal‌ Rumble Foreshadowing

Düsseldorf, ‌Germany –‍ WWE Raw, broadcasting live from the PSD Bank Dome on January 12, 2026, and streaming on Netflix, delivered a night of compelling action, championship implications, and​ building storylines leading into the Royal Rumble. The event featured a highly anticipated first-time clash between Gunther and⁤ AJ styles, a championship address from CM Punk, and the fallout⁢ from last week’s⁢ dramatic title changes.

Gunther ‌and AJ Styles Collide⁣ in a Main ⁢Event⁣ Showdown

The main‌ event saw⁣ “The Ring General” Gunther face off‌ against​ “The Phenomenal one” AJ Styles in ‍a match years in the making. The rivalry ignited last week⁤ when Styles responded to Gunther’s boastful claims about forcing ⁢John‌ Cena to submit in ⁤his ​retirement match with a stinging slap. This contest was more than just a clash of styles; it ‍was a battle of respect and a statement of dominance ⁣ [[1]].

While the match itself was a technical masterpiece, ​the ‌finish ⁤proved controversial. Details surrounding the conclusion are still emerging, but it has ⁢sparked debate among fans and analysts alike ⁣ [[2]]. The outcome undoubtedly sets ⁢the stage for a continued feud between these ⁣two wrestling ​icons.

CM ​Punk Addresses the WWE Universe

World Heavyweight Champion CM ⁢Punk took ⁤to the ring ‍to address the ⁣WWE Universe⁣ just‌ weeks before the Royal Rumble.Fresh off a hard-fought ⁣victory against Bron Breakker, were he overcame⁢ interference from The Vision to retain ⁢his title with a GTS, Punk outlined⁣ his‍ plans for the future [[3]]. His address hinted at a potential challenger emerging from‍ the Royal Rumble ‍match, promising a⁤ high-stakes battle for the championship.

Punk’s reign has​ been marked by ‌resilience and strategic brilliance. His ability to‍ overcome ‌adversity, as demonstrated in his match against Breakker, solidifies his position as a top-tier champion and a ‌compelling figure ‌in WWE.

Women’s Division Developments: ⁢RhIYO and⁢ Championship ⁢Conflict

The newly crowned WWE Women’s Tag Team⁢ Champions, Rhea Ripley and IYO ⁢SKY – collectively known as “RhIYO” –‍ opened the show, basking in the ‌glory of their recent victory over the Kabuki ​Warriors. Their celebration served as a declaration of their ⁢dominance and a challenge to any teams ⁢vying for the ‌titles.

However, the night also saw‌ a darker side of ‌the women’s division unfold. Raquel Rodriguez addressed the WWE Universe regarding her‍ brutal assault ⁢on ​Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Targeting Vaquer’s ⁢already injured ankle with a steel chair and‍ a Tejana ‌Bomb, ⁣Rodriguez sent a clear message and cast doubt on⁤ Vaquer’s ability to compete. This storyline promises a fierce and personal rivalry between ‌the two women.

Tag ‍Team Action​ and Championship Posturing

in ​tag team competition, Austin Theory and Bronson Reed, representing The Vision, clashed with the dynamic duo of Penta and Dragon Lee. This ⁣match stemmed from the events of the previous week, where ⁢Penta and Dragon Lee‌ aided CM Punk and Rey ​Mysterio‍ in fending off an attack⁤ from ⁣Bron Breakker’s allies. The bout showcased the‍ luchadors’ high-flying offense and their determination⁤ to protect their allies.

Elsewhere, Women’s⁤ Intercontinental ​Champion Becky Lynch, Liv​ Morgan, and World Tag Team⁢ Champions Jimmy​ and ‍Jey Uso made appearances, further solidifying their positions⁢ within the WWE landscape. Lynch’s recent victory over Maxxine Dupri demonstrated her veteran savvy, while The ‌Usos continue to assert their dominance over the tag team⁤ division,⁤ welcoming all challengers to ‍the “Uso Penitentiary.”

Looking Ahead​ to the Royal Rumble

WWE Raw in Düsseldorf⁢ served as a crucial stepping stone towards the​ Royal Rumble. The seeds of future feuds⁢ were planted, championships ‌were addressed, and the stakes were raised for the‌ upcoming‌ pay-per-view.‌ With the ‌Royal rumble just around the corner,​ fans can expect even more intense competition and unpredictable⁢ moments ‌as superstars battle for their chance at WrestleMania ‍glory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gunther and AJ ⁤Styles⁣ delivered a ⁣highly anticipated match with a controversial‌ finish.
  • CM Punk addressed his future championship plans, hinting at a Royal Rumble challenger.
  • “RhIYO” celebrated‌ their tag team⁢ title win, while Raquel ​Rodriguez escalated her feud with ⁣Stephanie vaquer.
  • Tag team action and championship appearances further enriched the WWE landscape.
  • The event successfully built anticipation ⁣for the⁣ upcoming‍ Royal Rumble.

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