WrestleMania season officially kicked off in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, and it was a jam-packed show filled with exciting matches, emotional moments, and major Royal Rumble implications.
Here’s everything you missed from the action-packed episode:
Gunther Kicks Off Raw and Challenges AJ Styles
Gunther, the reigning Intercontinental Champion, opened the show to a loud chant of “you tapped out” after his recent victory over AJ Styles. Gunther took a moment to boast about being the greatest wrestler in WWE and declared his intentions for the Royal Rumble, officially announcing that he would compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
AJ Styles had other plans. He entered the ring, challenging Gunther to a rematch at the Royal Rumble, stating that the only mistake he made last week was showing Gunther mercy. Gunther initially refused, saying there was no incentive unless Styles put his career on the line. After a tense back-and-forth, AJ Styles accepted the challenge, making it official: at the Royal Rumble, AJ Styles will put his career on the line against Gunther.
Becky Lynch Retains, Natalya Turns on Maxxine Dupri
In a Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, Becky Lynch defended her title against Maxxine Dupri. After a back-and-forth contest, Natalya, who had been backstage earlier claiming to support Maxxine, betrayed her former protégé. Natalya interfered and put Becky’s foot on the rope to prevent Dupri from winning the match.
After a Man-Handle Slam from Becky, Natalya continued her attack on Maxxine and locked her into the Sharpshooter, leaving Dupri incapacitated.
Fractures Within the Judgment Day: Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan Stand Tall
Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez revealed that Stephanie Vaquer was still not cleared to wrestle but promised to win the Women’s World Title once La Primera was able to defend it. Liv Morgan then hyped up the Royal Rumble, stating that all three members of the Judgment Day would be part of the Women’s Royal Rumble Match.
In the ring, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY cut an in-ring promo about their defense of the Women’s Tag Team Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The promo quickly turned into a showdown with Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez, who declared their own intentions for the Royal Rumble. Raquel Rodriguez entered the fray, attacking Ripley and IYO, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry.
Penta, Dragon Lee, and Rey Mysterio Win a Six-Man Tag Match
In an exciting six-man tag match, Penta, Dragon Lee, and Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory, Logan Paul, and Bronson Reed. The match featured high-flying action and drama, especially when Logan Paul attempted to pass his brass knuckles to Austin Theory, only for Adam Pearce to intervene. Mysterio used the knuckles to knock out Theory behind the referee’s back, allowing Penta to hit a Mexican Destroyer for the win.
AJ Styles and Gunther’s High-Stakes Rematch
In the main event, Finn Balor made his highly-anticipated return to Belfast, entering to his iconic Balor Club theme music and receiving a huge ovation. Balor faced CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship in a banger of a match that lived up to expectations.
Balor was determined to claim his first world title in a decade, and he fought hard, kicking out of Punk’s GTS and delivering his signature Coup de Grâce off the top rope. However, despite multiple nearfalls, Balor was ultimately caught in another GTS and pinned by Punk to retain his title.
After the match, Punk showed respect by raising Balor’s hand, a moment that solidified Balor’s world title potential, even in defeat.
Other Key Moments:
- El Grande Americano defeated Je’Von Evans via referee stoppage after Evans appeared to suffer a shoulder injury during the match. Medical staff checked on Evans, but as of now, there’s no confirmed concussion.
- Jey Uso made his Royal Rumble intentions clear, declaring his aim to become a back-to-back Rumble winner.
- The New Day learned from Adam Pearce that next week in Toronto, a Fatal 4-Way Number 1 Contender’s Match for the World Tag Team Championship would take place.
- Bayley and Lyra Valkyria had a backstage conversation about Bayley’s recent losses, with Bayley suggesting they could team up to win the Women’s Royal Rumble.
WWE Raw Results (1/19/2026):
- Gunther kicked off Raw, challenging AJ Styles to put his career on the line for a rematch at the Royal Rumble.
- Becky Lynch defeated Maxxine Dupri to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
- Penta, Dragon Lee, and Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory, Logan Paul, and Bronson Reed in a six-man tag.
- Je’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano ended in a referee stoppage due to an apparent injury.
- CM Punk defeated Finn Balor to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
- Several WWE Superstars declared their entry into the Royal Rumble Matches on January 31.
