WWE Raw Jan. 12 Review: Gunther Chops Down A Legend And The Boss Lays Down The Law

There is something special about the air in a European arena. Maybe it’s the soccer chants, maybe it’s the fact that they don’t get these shows every week, or maybe it’s just the sheer volume. Whatever it is, Düsseldorf brought it for this special Monday afternoon edition of Raw.

If you were stuck at work trying to sneak glances at your phone during a Zoom meeting to catch the results, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. We had a surprisingly stacked card for a mid-January show, featuring a dream match that actually lived up to the billing and a General Manager who finally snapped.

Let’s break down the madness from Germany.

Gunther vs. AJ Styles: A Lesson in Brutality

Let’s not bury the lead here for Raw. We tuned in to see if AJ Styles, in what he claims is his final year, could hang with the ring general. The answer? Yes, but at a terrible cost to his chest.

Gunther is terrifying. It’s not just the size; it’s the efficiency. The story told in the ring was simple but perfect: The Phenomenal One trying to use his speed and veteran savvy (specifically targeting the legs with the Calf Crusher) against a man who hits like a freight train.

There were moments where I genuinely thought Styles had him. When he locked in that Calf Crusher in the center of the ring, the PSD Bank Dome held its collective breath. But Gunther is a machine. The finish was pure, unadulterated violence. After escaping the submission, Gunther didn’t just pin him; he pulverized him. The “Tenryu Powerbomb” to finish it off was the exclamation point on a statement match. Gunther isn’t just holding his spot; he’s daring anyone to come take it on Raw.

Bron Breakker Crosses the Line

We all knew Bron Breakker wasn’t going to take his loss to CM Punk well on this episode of Raw. The guy is a genetic freak with a temper as short as a bottle rocket. But I didn’t expect him to maul Adam Pearce on Raw.

During the tag match between The Vision (Theory and Reed) and the luchadores (Dragon Lee and Penta), Bron decided he was bored with sitting on the sidelines. He speared Dragon Lee out of his boots, causing a DQ. Standard heel stuff, right? But when Adam Pearce marched out there to tell him to go home, Bron grabbed the GM by the lapels.

Big mistake. You don’t manhandle the boss, especially when the boss is a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion who looks like he can still go. Pearce didn’t back down an inch. He suspended Breakker indefinitely. Honestly? It’s the best thing for Bron’s character. Let him stew at home and not on Raw. Let him get angrier. When he comes back, he’s going to tear the roof off the place.

CM Punk Has a Date in Belfast

Speaking of the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk came out looking refreshed and ready to stir the pot. He’s calling himself the “fighting champion,” and he needs a dance partner for next week’s Raw in Belfast.

Enter Finn Balor.

Now, usually, Balor is busy playing video games in the clubhouse while Liv Morgan yells at him (which, hilariously, we saw happen earlier in the night). But Finn stepped up here. He reminded Punk that he was on the “list” of guys Punk wanted to wrestle. The setup is perfect: Balor gets the home-field advantage in Ireland next week. The atmosphere in Belfast is going to be absolutely electric, and while I don’t expect the title to change hands on free TV, the near-falls are going to give me a heart attack.

The Women’s Tag Division is Chaos (In a Good Way)

Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY—calling themselves “RHIYO,” which sounds like a rigid diet plan, but I digress—came out to celebrate their title win. Naturally, a wrestling celebration is just an open invitation for interruption.

We got Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez, followed by Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, and finally the Kabuki Warriors. It turned into a pier-six brawl, as these things usually do. But it set up a triple threat contender’s match later in the night that was actually a banger. Liv Morgan pinned Kairi Sane to secure the shot for Judgment Day. It appears we are heading toward a massive collision between RHIYO and the Judgment Day ladies, and the tension is palpable.

Other Notes from Düsseldorf

• Je’Von Evans is the Future: This kid is unbelievable. He fought Bravo Americano and pulled off an Avalanche Spanish Fly that defied physics. The “OG Cutter” for the win popped the crowd huge. He’s got that Jeff Hardy-esque connection with the fans already.
• Raquel Rodriguez is a Menace: She blindsided Stephanie Vaquer, whacking her injured boot with the title belt. It’s cheap heat, but it works. Rodriguez looks like a legitimate threat, and Vaquer’s selling the injury makes the eventual comeback match that much more anticipated.
• Maxxine Dupri’s Villain Arc: Maxxine claiming she’s going to break Becky Lynch’s ankle next week? Okay, I’m listening. It’s a bold strategy; let’s see if it pays off for her.

Overall, this was a fantastic Monday Night Raw.The crowd energy lifted everything up a notch, and we have clear directions heading into the Royal Rumble. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go re-watch that Gunther powerbomb.