WWE Raw Results & Winners (January 5, 2026): CM Punk triumphs over Bron Breakker to retain World title; Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky win Women's Tag Titles & more
(Courtesy : WWE.com)
AJ Styles confronts Gunther; Raquel Rodriguez attacks Stephanie Vaquer & more!
WWE kicked off 2026 by bringing SmackDown back to a three-hour format and then followed it up with the first episode of the Red Brand of the year. To keep the New Year momentum going, WWE presented a special Stranger Things–themed edition of Raw.
The first Monday Night Raw of 2026 emanated live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The show also marked the one-year anniversary of the Red Brand on Netflix, as its first episode premiered on January 6, 2025, ushering in a new era for WWE.
Multiple big names, including CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Penta, and Jey Uso, were advertised for the show that featured three title clashes as well as the in-ring return of Liv Morgan, and so much more. Get to know what happened this Monday, as we have the complete summary, highlights, results, and winners’ list for the 1/5 episode of WWE Raw.
WWE Raw Summary and Highlights
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) (c) vs Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky – Women’s Tag Team titles match
The first Raw of 2026 opened with the Women’s Tag Team titles match, with the Challengers Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky seeking revenge after all the torment at the hands of the Champions, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane).
The challengers came out on top in the end as the duo of Rhea and Iyo managed to defeat the Champion as Rhea delivered a vicious Riptide, followed by an Over the Moonsault by Iyo, who then took out Sane with a Suicide Dive ringside, as Rhea pinned Asuka to win the Women’s Tag Team titles.
Winner & New: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky
Grade: B+
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Going into the match, Iyo was undefeated in 13 months in tag action, and she kept the streak alive.
- With the win, Rhea’s kicked off her second tag title reign.
- Sky paid homage to Hiroshi Tanahashi, who retired last week, and Corey Graves mentioned Tanahashi and his retirement on commentary.
- Backstage, GM Adam Pearce congratulated RHIYO on the title win and then had a conversation with Gunther. Pearce told Gunther that the night carried significant attention and reminded him to remain respectful on the microphone. Gunther responded by laughing at the mention of “respect.”
Gunther mixes in little respect
The Ring General said he had been asked by management to show some respect and questioned where the respect was for him, the man who made John Cena tap out, before trailing off as AJ Styles’ music hit. The Phenomenal One made his way to the ring and got right in Gunther’s face, attempting to speak, only for Gunther to cut him off.
Gunther claimed that if Styles was there to lecture him about respect, he was punching above his weight, declaring himself the greatest wrestler in WWE today. When Styles tried to respond again, Gunther interrupted once more, repeating that he had made Cena tap out “like a little b*tch.”
He then mocked Styles, asking what “little AJ” was going to do about it, even hitting the “You Can’t See Me” taunt. Styles answered by slapping Gunther, leading to a brief face-to-face clash as Styles challenged him. Loud “AJ STYLES” chants broke out, and Styles said what Gunther can do now, “NOTHING, ”before dropping the microphone and walking away.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- WWE has leaned on Gunther’s John Cena tap-out moment for far too long without introducing any real progression or clear next steps for Gunther.
- A feud with AJ Styles, however, feels like a strong and much-needed addition, offering fresh direction.
- Backstage, Ivy Nile told Adam Pearce that she had no intention of going to the back of the line and made it clear she wanted the winner of the match between Maxxine Dupri and Becky Lynch.
- After the segment, Gunther approached GM Adam Pearce backstage, asking for a match with Styles. AJ called him a ‘b*tch’ for going to the boss to complain. Gunther again asked for the match as Pearce made it official for next week.
Maxxine Dupri (c) vs Becky Lynch – Women’s Intercontinental title match
Looking to avenge the humiliating losses and regain the Women’s Intercontinental title, Becky Lynch stepped into the ring to battle Maxxine Dupri. The Champion had all the momentum on her side, and she frustrated the challenger in the early going. Becky mounted a comeback as the tussle continued, but both women were unable to sustain the offense and were forced to defend.
In the closing moments, Dupri countered Becky’s offense by locking in an Ankle Lock and maintaining the hold even through a roll-through attempt by Lynch. However, Becky turned the tables by using the ropes for leverage, grabbing them as Dupri’s shoulders were down on the mat during the submission to score the pin and regain the title.
Winner & New: Becky Lynch
Grade: C
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Dupri was 3-1 against Becky, going into the match, and the score is now 3-2.
- Becky was wearing a command-gold, Starfleet Academy-inspired look, echoing her upcoming role as a Starfleet officer in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
- Dupri’s Intercontinental Championship reign came to an end after just one televised title defense, but her ongoing feud with Becky Lynch has clearly helped elevate her and boost her overall credibility.
- During the commercial break, Je’Von Evans signed his WWE RAW Contract as Pearce officially announced his arrival.
Rauqel Rodriguez attacks an injured Stephanie Vaquer
The Usos (Jey & Jimmy Uso) cut a promo from the crowd stands as they hyped up the audience. Jey praised AJ Styles and Dragon Lee for their impressive match last week and declared that this year belonged to The Usos. Jimmy then put the entire tag team division on notice, and Jey closed the promo by saying that anyone who wanted the smoke knew where to find them.
Jackie Redmond conducted an in-ring interview with Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, asking what was next for her after a standout year. Vaquer reflected on her incredible 2025 run, highlighting her four championship reigns, her Raw debut, competing at Evolution, and other major milestones.
She then recapped her World Title victory, thanked the crowd, and delivered a promo in Spanish, putting the entire division on notice. Vaquer made it clear that her injury would not slow her down, saying she wanted everyone and wanted more.
As Redmond wrapped up the interview, Raquel Rodriguez suddenly attacked her from behind. Rodriguez targeted Vaquer’s injured ankle, repeatedly slamming it into the mat. Big Mami Cool then finished the assault with a Tejana Bomb, but wasn’t done yet, as she brought a steel chair into the ring.
Officials rushed in to try to diffuse the situation as Raquel continued her attack. GM Adam Pearce, along with additional management personnel, stepped in, with Pearce removing the steel chair that had become lodged in Vaquer’s brace. Raquel finally backed down and exited the ring, while officials assisted Vaquer in getting out safely.
Grade: B
Insights & Backstage Moments:
- During the walkout, Michael Cole revealed that Vaquer suffered an ankle injury during last week’s triple threat match.
- Backstage, Vaquer was being helped by WWE officials when Rodriguez attacked again, targeting the injured ankle, until Adam Pearce rushed in, warning Raquel of serious repercussions.
- Both promos were fairly average and lacked originality. However, Rodriguez’s attack was intense, shocking, and added a compelling twist, with Raquel showcasing a different level of intensity and ferocity.
Liv Morgan vs Lyra Valkyria
In her in-ring return on WWE programming, Liv Morgan battled Lyra Valkyria, with Roxanne Perez and Bayley in their respective corners. Morgan took her time in the match after eating a few shots from Lyra, flexing her ferocious nature inside the squared circle. Valkyria mounted an offensive comeback with a German Suplex, followed by a Tornado DDT and a Fisherman Suplex, but failed to pin Morgan.
Morgan then distracted the official while Roxanne draped the ropes, and Lyra crashed outside. Bayley attempted to intervene, but the official stepped in to calm things down. Bayley then tried to attack, but Perez gained the upper hand and sent her into the timekeepers’ area.
Bayley fought back, chasing Perez backstage with a steel chair in hand. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Morgan hit the Oblivion out of nowhere, pinning Lyra to secure the win in her in-ring return.
Winner: Liv Morgan
Grade: B
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- This was Liv’s first in-ring match since June 2025, when she suffered a shoulder injury in a match against Kairi Sane.
- On the other hand, it was Lyra Valkyria’s first match in New York City, per Michael Cole.
- Eminem’s “Godzilla,” featuring Juice WRLD, was announced as the new official theme song for Raw.
- Backstage before the match, Rey Mysterio offered Dragon Lee some encouragement, telling him that he would be a champion again in WWE. Penta informed Rey that he had returned early to help handle the situation with The Vision and assured him that he would have his back whenever needed.
CM Punk (c) vs Bron Breakker – World Heavyweight title match
After weeks of build-up, CM Punk stepped inside the squared circle to defend the World Heavyweight title in his first title defense since winning the title in November. Standing in front of him was the Vision’s Bron Breakker, a real test for the veteran.
Punk started to target Bron’s left arm to start the match, but Bron turned the tide with ease, using his speed and power. Bron started to weaken the Champion with sustained offense and a knee strike to the face, countering a GTS attempt into a gut buster.
A brutal fistfight then broke out in the center of the ring, with Punk taking control early, hitting a neckbreaker, followed by a running knee and a short-arm clothesline. Punk climbed to the top rope and connected with an elbow before signaling for the GTS, when Paul Heyman climbed onto the apron, yelling as Bron, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory rushed in.
Breakker shoved Punk into the referee, allowing Theory to deliver a stomp while the official was down. Bron went for the pin, but Punk kicked out at two. Bron cleared the announcer’s desk just as Dragon Lee, Rey Mysterio, and Penta rushed in for the save, sparking a chaotic brawl.
Back in the ring, Bron got up and went for the Spear, but Punk avoided it and hit the GTS, for a two pin count. The Champion attempted another GTS, but Bron countered into an armbar. Punk managed to break free and locked in the Anaconda Vice, but Bron powered up, hitting a gut buster and clothesline into the cover, though Punk stayed alive.
Bron mocked Punk’s GTS sign before hitting the move, but Punk managed to grab Bron’s ankle and lock in the STF. Heyman returned to the apron to distract Punk, who grabbed his collar and delivered a massive right hand. The action spilled ringside again as Punk attempted a suicide dive, but Bron caught him with a massive forearm, knocking Punk down.
In the final moments, Bron climbed the top rope and took out Punk through the announce desk. Back in the ring, Bron went for another Spear, but Punk intercepted it with a knee and hit the GTS to pin Bron, retaining the World Heavyweight title in an epic showdown.
Winner & Still: CM Punk
Grade: A+
Match Insights & Backstage Moments:
- Cole and Graves mentioned Punk wearing a Varsity Jacket, which was a reference to Breakker’s father, Rick Steiner, who was a member of the Varsity Club, a wrestling stable in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Before the main event during the commercial break, Logan Paul and Austin Theory addressed the comments made earlier by Rey Mysterio and Penta, while hyping Bron Breakker.
WWE RAW Results 1/5
- Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky defeated The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) (c) – Women’s Tag Team titles match
- AJ Styles confronted Gunther
- Becky Lynch pinned Maxxine Dupri (c) – Women’s Intercontinental title match
- Je’Von Evans signed his WWE RAW Contract
- Raquel Rodriguez attacked Stephanie Vaquer
- Liv Morgan pinned Lyra Valkyria
- CM Punk (c) defeated Bron Breakker – World Heavyweight title match
Who won in the main event of WWE Raw tonight?
CM Punk defeated Bron Breakker in the main event of the first Raw of 2026 to retain the World Heavyweight title.
What is the first PLE of 2026?
The 39th edition of Royal Rumble, also promoted as Royal Rumble: Riyadh, will be the first PLE of 2026. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
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