WWE Raw Preview: CM Punk vs Bron Breakker, Rhea Ripley in Action
Stacked Card Awaits Fans on WWE Raw's One-Year Anniversary
The first Monday Night Raw of 2026 is set to be a memorable one, as WWE prepares to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Red Brand's debut on Netflix. The event, scheduled for January 5, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, will feature a stacked card filled with high-stakes title matches and surprising returns.
World Heavyweight Championship Showdown
The main event of the evening will see CM Punk defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker. Breakker, who pinned the World Heavyweight Champion during the men's WarGames match, will have his title shot on the January 5 episode of Raw. With the Vision by his side, Breakker will aim to dethrone Punk and claim the World Heavyweight Championship.
Women's Tag Team Title Match and Intercontinental Title Showdown
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) will put their Women's Tag Team titles on the line against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. The Kabuki Warriors have targeted Ripley and Sky since turning on Iyo, and they will be looking to defend their titles against their determined challengers.
Meanwhile, Maxxine Dupri will defend the Women's Intercontinental title against Becky Lynch. Lynch, who returned during the pre-taping of the December 22 episode of Monday Night Raw, is eager to reclaim the title she lost.
More Matches and Returns
Liv Morgan will make her in-ring return on WWE television, taking on Lyra Valkyria. Fans can also expect surprising returns on the show, as WWE builds towards the Royal Rumble later in the month.
Relevance to the North East and Indian Context
While the WWE is based in the United States, it has a significant following in India, including in the North East region. The matches announced for the first Raw of 2026 feature some of the biggest names in WWE, and the event promises to be an exciting spectacle for fans around the world, including those in India and the North East.
Looking Forward
As we look forward to the first Raw of 2026, fans can expect a night filled with high-stakes title matches, surprising returns, and plenty of action. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, the first Raw of the year will be an important stepping stone towards the biggest event of the year.