The global expansion of professional wrestling reaches a fever pitch this week as the landscape of sports entertainment shifts its focus to the heart of Europe. As the calendar turns to January 12, 2026, the atmosphere surrounding the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, is nothing short of electric. This particular episode of Monday Night Raw represents more than just another stop on the grueling winter tour; it serves as a pivotal junction on the road to the Royal Rumble, set against the backdrop of a brand-new era for the industry. With the transition to Netflix now in full swing, the accessibility of the product has reached unprecedented heights, allowing a global audience to witness the fallout of a chaotic beginning to the new year. The German faithful, known for their deep-rooted appreciation of technical prowess and hard-hitting physicality, are expected to provide a deafening soundtrack to an evening defined by high-stakes confrontations and the crowning of a new direction for the flagship brand. As the clock ticks toward the 2 PM Eastern start time, the tension is palpable, not just in the arena but across the digital landscape where fans are dissecting every possible outcome for a show that promises to reshape the championship hierarchies of the roster.
At the very top of the marquee is a confrontation that many purists believed might never happen on a television stage, a first-time-ever clash between two of the most decorated performers of the modern age. The Ring General, GUNTHER, finds himself in a position he rarely occupies: one of personal vulnerability. For years, the Austrian powerhouse has demanded a level of respect bordering on reverence, using his devastating chops and clinical efficiency to dismantle anyone who dared to stand in his path. However, the psychological warfare shifted dramatically during the previous broadcast when AJ Styles did the unthinkable. Styles, a man whose legacy is built on being the "Phenomenal" vanguard of every promotion he has ever stepped foot in, delivered a stinging slap to the face of the former Intercontinental Champion. This was not merely a physical strike; it was a calculated insult to the dignity GUNTHER prizes above all else. The weeks of simmering tension and verbal barbs have finally boiled over, leading to this non-title encounter in Germany. For GUNTHER, performing so close to his home soil adds an extra layer of pressure to reclaim his aura of invincibility. For Styles, this match is an opportunity to prove that his veteran savvy and aerial precision can still overcome the sheer, unadulterated force of the most dominant physical specimen on the Raw roster.
While the men’s division prepares for a collision of icons, the women’s division is set to begin the broadcast by showcasing its newest power dynamic. The collective jaw of the wrestling world dropped last week when Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY successfully dethroned the Kabuki Warriors to capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. On paper, Ripley and SKY are an almost terrifying combination of attributes. Ripley, "The Eradicator," brings a level of raw strength and intimidation that has defined her reign at the top of the division, while IYO SKY, the "Genius of the Sky," offers a level of technical agility and high-flying innovation that few can match. Their victory over Kairi Sane and Asuka was a masterclass in contrasting styles coming together to form a cohesive, destructive unit. As they prepare to kick off the show in Düsseldorf, the question on everyone’s mind is what this reign will look like. Unlike previous champions who may have focused on the prestige of the belts, Ripley and SKY seem intent on using the titles as a platform for total brand dominance. Their address to the WWE Universe this week will likely set the tone for the tag team division heading into WrestleMania season, and many are wondering if any duo on the current roster has the tactical diversity required to even challenge them.
The narrative arc of the World Heavyweight Championship also takes center stage as CM Punk makes his highly anticipated appearance. The "Best in the World" is currently riding a wave of momentum following a grueling and successful title defense against the explosive Bron Breakker. That match, which headlined the previous week’s festivities, was a testament to Punk’s resilience and his ability to weather the storm against a younger, faster, and perhaps more powerful opponent. Breakker pushed the champion to his absolute limit, nearly ending the Second City Saint’s reign with a series of devastating spears, but Punk’s veteran instincts allowed him to retain his prize. Now, with the Royal Rumble less than three weeks away, the target on Punk’s back has never been larger. The champion’s appearance in Germany is expected to be a reflection on his survival against Breakker, but more importantly, a look forward to the looming threat of the thirty-man over-the-top-rope melee. The winner of the Royal Rumble earns a guaranteed ticket to the main event of WrestleMania, and as the reigning champion, Punk is acutely aware that every man in the locker room is eyeing his gold. Whether a new challenger emerges tonight or Punk continues to bask in his victory, his presence ensures that the World Heavyweight Championship remains the focal point of the evening’s drama.
Adding to the intensity of the night is a brewing grudge match that has turned deeply personal over the last several days. Raquel Rodriguez is scheduled to break her silence regarding her shocking and unprovoked assault on Stephanie Vaquer. For weeks, Vaquer had been gaining significant ground as a rising star, earning the respect of the fans through her incredible work ethic and international reputation. That momentum was halted abruptly when Rodriguez, a woman whose physical stature usually commands respect on its own, decided to send a violent message. The betrayal left the audience in a state of disbelief, as the motives behind the attack remained shrouded in mystery. In Düsseldorf, Rodriguez will have the floor to explain her actions. Is this a case of a veteran feeling overlooked by a newcomer, or is there a deeper, more calculated reason for the destruction she unleashed? The fallout of this explanation will undoubtedly dictate the path for both women as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Raw women’s division, with Vaquer likely seeking a measure of retribution that could lead to a physical confrontation before the night is through.
The tag team division will also see a fascinating clash of styles and personalities as the high-flying duo of Penta and Dragon Lee prepare to take on the formidable pairing of Austin Theory and Bronson Reed. This match is a study in the diverse talent currently populated on the Raw roster. Penta and Dragon Lee represent the pinnacle of modern lucha libre, utilizing speed, intricate teamwork, and a fearless approach to the squared circle that often leaves opponents reeling. On the other side of the ring, Theory and Reed offer a blend of narcissistic ambition and overwhelming power. Austin Theory continues to carry himself with the arrogance of a man who believes he is the inevitable future of the business, while Bronson Reed acts as the "Tsunami" that can wipe out entire teams with a single move. This encounter is crucial for the positioning of both teams within the tag team hierarchy. A win for Penta and Dragon Lee would catapult them into the title conversation, while a victory for Theory and Reed would solidify their status as a tandem that cannot be ignored. The contrast between the aerial artistry of the masked marvels and the grounded, heavy-hitting style of their opponents promises to be a highlight of the mid-card.
As the show unfolds from the PSD Bank Dome, the broader implications of the "New Era" are impossible to ignore. The move to Netflix has changed the way WWE tells its stories, allowing for a more continuous and immersive experience that transcends traditional television boundaries. The international flavor of this episode, being broadcast live from Germany, underscores the company’s commitment to its global fanbase. The German audience has always been one of the most passionate in the world, often turning shows into unique experiences with their rhythmic chanting and deep knowledge of wrestling history. For performers like GUNTHER and Ludwig Kaiser, this is a homecoming of sorts, a chance to show that the European influence on the industry is stronger than it has ever been. The production values, the pacing of the matches, and the integration of social media narratives all point toward a product that is evolving to meet the demands of a 2026 audience.
The road to the Royal Rumble is traditionally the most exciting time of the year for wrestling fans, and this episode of Raw is designed to accelerate that excitement. With multiple storylines converging and the physical stakes reaching a breaking point, the athletes are under immense pressure to perform. The AJ Styles and GUNTHER match, in particular, is being viewed as a potential Match of the Year candidate before the bell even rings. The sheer technical ability of both men, combined with the personal animosity sparked by the slap heard ’round the world, creates a narrative that is easy to follow but difficult to predict. Will the Ring General’s stoic dominance prevail, or will the Phenomenal One’s quickness and veteran guile provide the blueprint for defeating the monster?
Furthermore, the presence of CM Punk as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion adds a layer of prestige to the proceedings. Punk’s career has been defined by his ability to speak his mind and back it up in the ring, and his current run is no different. His victory over Bron Breakker was a statement to the "Next Generation" that the throne is not easily taken. However, as the Rumble approaches, the shadows of potential challengers like Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Drew McIntyre, or even the winner of the Rumble itself begin to loom large. Punk’s segment in Düsseldorf will likely be a masterclass in microphone work, as he navigates the fine line between a fighting champion and a man who knows he is being hunted.
As the final hours count down to the broadcast, the excitement in Düsseldorf continues to build. From the newly crowned Women’s Tag Team Champions to the bitter rivalries and the search for the next World Heavyweight Championship contender, Monday Night Raw on January 12, 2026, is shaping up to be a landmark event. The combination of world-class athleticism and compelling storytelling remains the hallmark of the brand, and with the eyes of the world watching via Netflix, the superstars of Raw have the perfect stage to create lasting memories. Whether it is the crack of a chop, the grace of a 450 splash, or the tension of a championship face-off, the night is destined to leave an indelible mark on the history of the sport as it marches toward the grandest stage of them all.
