CM Punk retains & other predictions for WWE RAW (January 19, 2026)
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WWE RAW has two championship matches on the card
The road to the Royal Rumble intensifies on the January 19, 2026 edition of WWE RAW, with championship stakes, unresolved rivalries, and looming premium live events shaping every segment. With RAW airing live from Düsseldorf, Germany, at a special start time, the pressure is firmly on WWE’s biggest names to deliver under global scrutiny.
Two championships headline the night, as World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch put their titles on the line just days before the Royal Rumble. At the same time, several storylines are quietly positioning themselves for major payoffs, including Saturday Night’s Main Event and WrestleMania season implications.
From potential title upsets to simmering personal rivalries, this episode of WWE RAW is less about resolution and more about momentum. Here are five bold predictions for what will unfold on January 19.
5. Gunther and AJ Styles’ rivalry escalates
The controversy surrounding Gunther’s recent win over AJ Styles has not settled. The unresolved finish, combined with Gunther’s ongoing disrespect toward John Cena, has added layers to an already volatile feud.
Expect another tense exchange or confrontation that hints at higher stakes. WWE appears to be steering this rivalry toward a career-defining stipulation, and WWE RAW will continue laying that groundwork.
4. Clear build toward WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
This episode of WWE RAW will function as a narrative bridge rather than a reset. Promos, backstage segments, and staredowns will all reinforce Saturday Night’s Main Event as the next critical checkpoint before the Royal Rumble.
Champions will be tested, challengers will be framed, and unresolved issues will remain deliberately open-ended. The emphasis will be on urgency, not closure, exactly what WWE needs at this stage of the calendar.
3. Tension-filled face-off in the Women’s Tag Team scene
With Saturday Night’s Main Event approaching, a confrontation between champions IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley and their challengers Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez feels inevitable.
Rather than physicality, expect verbal barbs and posturing. WWE is likely to save major contact for the premium event, using RAW to heighten anticipation and clarify character dynamics.
2. Maxxine Dupri shocks the world yet again
A Maxxine Dupri victory would be the biggest surprise of the night and that is precisely why it makes sense. Becky Lynch does not need the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to remain relevant, while Maxxine Dupri desperately needs a defining moment.
WWE has increasingly leaned into unpredictable title changes ahead of major events. A Dupri upset would immediately elevate the division and give WWE RAW a genuine talking point heading into the Royal Rumble weekend.
1. CM Punk retains WWE World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship on RAW is rare in itself, which signals confidence rather than vulnerability. Challenger Finn Balor remains dangerous, but his focus has often shifted toward survival rather than dominance in recent months.
Punk’s title reign is being positioned as a cornerstone heading into the Royal Rumble. Expect a hard-fought match that reinforces his status as champion, likely ending with Punk retaining clean or through strategic ring awareness rather than interference.
When and where will the January 19, 2026, episode of WWE Raw take place?
The January 19 show is set to take place at The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Will the show have an early start time?
Yes, the show will have a special early start time of 8 PM GMT (Belfast), 3 PM ET, and 12 PM PT.
What matches have been announced for the show?
• Becky Lynch (c) vs Maxxine Dupri – Women’s Intercontinental title match• CM Punk (c) vs Finn Balor – World Heavyweight title match
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Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.