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3 Reasons Why Gunther Defeated AJ Styles on RAW

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 8:18 AM ET

WWE Raw was jam-packed with action this past Monday in Germany. Je’Von Evans made an impactful debut with a statement victory over Bravo Americano, CM Punk found a new challenger in Finn Bàlor, and Bron Breakker was suspended by Adam Pearce. Nonetheless, the biggest highlight came with the main event.

Gunther, with the home-field advantage, defeated AJ Styles in a first-time-ever dream match. The Calf Crusher got the Ring General to tap out, but the official wasn’t there to see the submission. The chaos allowed Gunther to take advantage and defeat Styles with the Powerbomb for the win.

Here, we try to explain the reasons for the Ring General’s controversial victory over the Phenomenal One.

#3. AJ Styles Was Just the Next Victim in the Career Killer’s List

The Styles-Gunther saga began after the Austrian Anomaly began openly disrespecting and ridiculing John Cena. The former NXT UK Champion made Cena give up in the latter’s final match, and the win rubbed many veterans the wrong way, including the Phenomenal One.

R-Truth also stood up for his childhood hero, but he was put down by Gunther. WWE built Styles as a more credible threat to the Ring General, but the Phenomenal One may just be the next name in the Career Killer’s growing list of fallen victims.

The controversial win was naturally designed to protect Styles in defeat. The former Ace of TNA is still one of the company’s most valuable assets. 2026 is Styles’ final year as an active performer. Thus, it doesn’t make much sense to damage his credibility so early in the year.

#2. The Win Adds a More Despicable Edge to Gunther’s Persona

The Phenomenal One is one of the most beloved figures in pro wrestling today. Fans are naturally upset that he was cheated out of a deserving victory on RAW in Germany. However, the finish could have been a deliberate move to increase Gunther’s heel heat.

The 2 time World Heavyweight Champion is known for his relentlessness and brutality, but the win adds another despicable edge to his persona. Gunther will do anything to win, even if it involves dirty tactics such as low blows. The controversial win over Styles makes fans want to hate the Ring General even more.

#1. WWE Wants to Extend Gunther’s Feud with AJ Styles

If Gunther vs. AJ Styles on RAW was meant to be a one-off match, the finish would have been clean with the Ring General forcing Styles into submission. However, Triple H booked his top villain to steal a win from the Phenomenal One.

The controversial win gives Styles a motive and legitimate grievance to continue pursuing the man who retired John Cena. Therefore, their first clash in Germany is likely the beginning of their epic tale. The dirty finish means that there is unfinished business between Styles and Gunther, following WWE’s classic pattern of long-term storytelling.