WWE Raw Preview: Austin Theory’s Mask Is Off, But the Heat Is Just Turning Up

Let’s be honest, folks. We all knew who was under that mask, right? It was the “Scooby-Doo” reveal we saw coming from a mile away. But now that the hood is off and Austin Theory has been revealed as the mysterious benefactor aiding Paul Heyman’s “The Vision” faction, the real game begins tonight in Grand Rapids.

Welcome to the fallout. It is Monday Night Raw, and we are hurtling toward the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia with more questions than a physics exam. We’ve got a locker room full of egos, a retired John Cena, and a kid from Atlanta who finally has the spotlight back on his face.

Here is your deep-dive preview into what promises to be a chaotic Raw at the Van Andel Arena.

The Austin Theory Experiment: Round… What Are We On Now?

So, Theory is the guy. The man who once took a selfie while getting beaten up is now aligning himself with the most dangerous faction on the roster. For weeks, he’s been the silent guardian for Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. But why?

Tonight, we aren’t just looking for a promo; we’re looking for a purpose. Theory has been stuck in wrestling purgatory for the better part of 18 months—a low-card enhancement talent with a ceiling that screamed “main eventer” but booking that whispered “catering.” WWE is giving him another shot at the brass ring here. The storyline logic suggests he’s trying to impress Heyman to get a seat at the table. But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: CM Punk.

The world heavyweight champion was screwed over by Theory at WarGames. Punk isn’t the type to let bygones be bygones. He holds grudges like precious heirlooms. Expect the “Best in the World” to have a few choice words, or perhaps a GTS, waiting for Theory tonight on Raw. If WWE wants us to buy stock in Theory again, tonight on Raw is the IPO.

Mami vs. The Empress: A WrestleMania Rewind

If you want hard-hitting action, look no further than Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka. This isn’t just a match on Raw; it’s a receipt.

These two have chemistry that dates back to WrestleMania 37, but the dynamic has shifted. Ripley isn’t just a champion; she’s “Mami,” arguably the most dominant force in the women’s division. But Asuka? Asuka is chaos personified. After turning on IYO SKY, the Empress of Tomorrow has been on a tear with Kairi Sane by her side.

With a tag team championship match looming on January 5, tonight on Raw is about psychological warfare. Can Ripley keep her focus when she knows Kairi Sane is lurking at ringside like a shark in shallow water? And let’s check the injury report—is SKY cleared to watch Ripley’s back after taking that brutal elbow drop last week? This is going to be stiff, it’s going to be fast, and it’s likely going to end in a brawl on Raw.

The Prodigy vs. The Role Model

There is something poetic about Roxanne Perez facing Bayley. It’s the classic “Student vs. Master” trope, but with a desperate twist.

Bayley is reeling. She took a tough loss to Sol Ruca at Saturday Night’s Main Event and needs a win to prove she’s not entering the twilight of her career. On the other side, you have “The Prodigy” Roxanne Perez, who is hungry to bring gold back to her squad alongside Raquel Rodriguez.

The Women’s Tag Division is hot right now, and both women need momentum. Expect Lyra Valkyria to be a factor here. She tried to slap some sense into Bayley recently. Will that tough love translate to a W, or will Perez continue her ascent?

The Ring General and The Ghost Of John Cena

We have to talk about Gunther. Last week, he did the unthinkable. He made Cena tap out in his retirement match. The heat in the building was palpable—Gunther wasn’t just booed; he was loathed. He ruined the fairytale ending. He spat on the “Never Give Up” legacy.

And he loved every second of it.

Tonight, Gunther walks into Grand Rapids not just as a top star but as the ultimate villain. He smirked his way past babyfaces like R-Truth and Otis last week, completely unbothered by the emotional wreckage he left behind. What does he have to say for himself? Probably nothing we want to hear, but everything we need to see. If you thought the boos were loud last week, wait until his music hits tonight.

The Youth Movement: Je’Von Evans Bounces In

Finally, keep your eyes on Je’Von Evans. The 21-year-old sensation is bringing his human highlight reel to Raw. After dazzling GM Adam Pearce last weekend, he gets a showcase match against Rayo Americano.

This kid is the future of the business. He moves like gravity is merely a suggestion. With Rayo Americano looking to teach the rookie a lesson in respect after some backstage trash talk, this match has “sleeper hit” written all over it.