AJ Styles vs Gunther; Natalya's heel turn & other storylines to watch on WWE RAW (January 26, 2026)

WWE Raw will return to its original time slot this Monday!

Following the conclusion of the European tour and the first SNME of 2026, WWE will now arrive in Ontario to kick off the Road to Royal Rumble 2026. The upcoming edition of Monday Night Raw will set the stage for the first PLE of the year, while addressing the fallout from Saturday.

Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, will play host to the January 26 edition of WWE Raw, which means that the Red brand will return to its original time slot of 8 PM ET. Multiple top stars, including CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, are being advertised for the show.

WWE has announced multiple matches and segments for the show inclduign the return of Bron Breakker, following an indefinite suspension two weeks ago. Ahead of this week’s show in Ontario, let us take a look at the top four storylines that might be in play on this week’s WWE Raw.

4. Natalya’s heel turn

During last week’s show, Maxxine Dupri challenged Becky Lynch in a rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental title. Durpi came very close to winning the match when Natalya, who was not just in Dupri’s corner, but also has been her mentor, turned on her, helping Becky break the pin by putting her legs on the ropes.

What followed the betrayal was a vicious beatdown, as Dupri didn’t even get a chance to react to the loss. Fans are now eagerly waiting for Maxxine’s response and Natalya’s explanation on the shocking turn.

3. Stephanie Vaquer returns

In their first title defense, Women’s Tag Team Champions, RHIYO (Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky), took on the number one contenders from the Judgment Day (Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez) at last Saturday’s SNME. During the match, fellow Judgment Day member Raquel Rodriguez stepped in and took out both Rhea and Iyo with ease, helping her stablemates.

However, the plan backfired when Stephanie Vaquer made her return without the medical boot, making the save and settling the score for those vicious beatdown weeks ago. Vaquer is likely going to make a return this Monday as she looks injury-free and continues the feud with Rodriguez, leading to another title clash.

Also Read: WWE RAW Preview (January 26, 2026): Match card, news, timings & telecast details

2. Bron Breakker returns

Bron Breakker is set to return this Monday, just two weeks after being suspended indefinitely. Last week, GM Adam Pearce instructed Paul Heyman to bring Breakker back following a mysterious phone call from the Wiseman.

The GM has clarified that he is not officially lifting the suspension but wants to speak with Breakker “eye-to-eye, like a man.” Breakker had been suspended for attacking Penta and Dragon Lee and for confronting the General Manager directly.

Fans are now eager to see what unfolds this Monday as Breakker returns, still furious over his World Title loss to CM Punk three weeks ago.

1. AJ Styles vs Gunther

‘The Phenomenal’  AJ Styles will appear this Monday ahead of the Royal Rumble. Styles is set to put his career on the line in a rematch against ‘The Ring General’ Gunther. On the other hand, Gunther is set for a sit-down interview on the show.

With this being the go-home show for the PLE, fans can expect a heated exchange for the high-stakes matchup. Additionally, WWE is also likely going to hype up fans for the PLE, with additional stars announcing their entry for the 2026 Rumble matches.