WWE Raw Preview: First Episode of 2026
We made it to 2026, and WWE isn’t wasting a single second easing us into the new year. Tonight, Raw hits the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and let me tell you, the energy is going to be absolutely electric. We are exactly one year into the Netflix era, and if the card for tonight is any indication, they are celebrating that anniversary by absolutely stacking the deck.
Weโve got title fights, bad blood boiling over, and a Stranger Things theme that… well, weโll get to that. But first, letโs talk about the main event, because holy cow, this is the big one on Raw.
The Big Dog vs. The Future: CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker
Letโs be real for a second. We all saw this coming, but that doesn’t make it any less hyped. CM Punk, the “Best in the World,” and currently the guy holding the World Heavyweight Championship, is finally squaring up against Bron Breakker.
If youโve been living under a rock, hereโs the scoop: Breakker has basically taken over “The Vision” ever since Seth Rollins went down with that injury. Heโs young, heโs hungry, and heโs been running his mouth about being the future of this business. Punk? Heโs the veteran whoโs heard it all before. The promos between these two have been absolute fire lately. Punk calling Breakker a “nepo baby” was a low blow, sure, but Breakker returning the favor with a spear? Thatโs just good business.
Breakker isn’t coming alone, though. Heโs got Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed lurking like sharks in the water. Punk might need eyes in the back of his head, or a timely save from someone like LA Knight, if he wants to walk out of Brooklyn with the gold.
The Man Returns To Business
Becky Lynch is back, baby. After her hiatus, or “boycott,” depending on who you ask, following War Games, sheโs stepping right back into the fire to challenge Maxxine Dupri for the Womenโs Intercontinental Championship.
Dupri has been walking around acting like she owns the place since beating Lynch, but tonight is put-up-or-shut-up time. Honestly? If I were a betting man, Iโd keep my eye on this match for a title change. Lynch looks ready to remind everyone why sheโs The Man, and frankly, I donโt think sheโs in the mood for Dupriโs antics tonight on Raw.
Tag Team Chaos
The Women’s Tag Team straps are also on the line on Raw. Weโve got Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY looking to take down the Kabuki Warriors, Kairi Sane and Asuka.
This one is going to be a sprint. Ripley and SKY have all the momentum in the world right now, but in the WWE tag division, chaos is usually the third teammate. With teams like Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair watching from the wings, don’t expect a clean finish here. Itโs going to be messy, itโs going to be hard-hitting, and itโs going to be fun.
The X-Factor: Stranger Things Night?
Okay, letโs address the Demogorgon in the room. Tonight is officially Stranger Things Night on Raw. What does that mean for a wrestling show? Honestly, I have no idea. Are we getting a match in the Upside Down? Is Kane going to show up in a Hellfire Club shirt?
All I know is the Barclays Center crowd is encouraged to dress up, so expect to see a lot of trucker hats and ’80s gear in the front row. Itโs a crossover event only Netflix could pull off, and hey, if it gives us a cool entrance set, Iโm all for it.
Quick Hits: What Else to Watch For
- Liv Morgan is Back: Sheโs returning to the ring to face Lyra Valkyria. Can she steady the ship for Judgment Day after a rough couple of weeks?
- Y2J Return Rumors: GM Adam Pearce dropped a hint that might mean Chris Jericho is showing up. If that music hits, the roof is coming off the place.
- Guntherโs Path: After dismantling R-Truth last week, what is next for the Ring General? He made John Cena quit. Who on earth steps up to that?
So, grab your popcorn (and maybe an Eggo waffle). Tonight isn’t just another Monday Night Raw. Itโs the start of the road to the Royal Rumble, and WWE is flooring the gas pedal.
