WWE Raw Preview: First Episode of 2026

We made it to 2026, and WWE isn’t wasting a single second easing us into the new year. Tonight, Raw hits the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and let me tell you, the energy is going to be absolutely electric. We are exactly one year into the Netflix era, and if the card for tonight is any indication, they are celebrating that anniversary by absolutely stacking the deck.

We’ve got title fights, bad blood boiling over, and a Stranger Things theme that… well, we’ll get to that. But first, let’s talk about the main event, because holy cow, this is the big one on Raw.

The Big Dog vs. The Future: CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker

Let’s be real for a second. We all saw this coming, but that doesn’t make it any less hyped. CM Punk, the “Best in the World,” and currently the guy holding the World Heavyweight Championship, is finally squaring up against Bron Breakker.

If you’ve been living under a rock, here’s the scoop: Breakker has basically taken over “The Vision” ever since Seth Rollins went down with that injury. He’s young, he’s hungry, and he’s been running his mouth about being the future of this business. Punk? He’s the veteran who’s heard it all before. The promos between these two have been absolute fire lately. Punk calling Breakker a “nepo baby” was a low blow, sure, but Breakker returning the favor with a spear? That’s just good business.

Breakker isn’t coming alone, though. He’s got Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed lurking like sharks in the water. Punk might need eyes in the back of his head, or a timely save from someone like LA Knight, if he wants to walk out of Brooklyn with the gold.

The Man Returns To Business

Becky Lynch is back, baby. After her hiatus, or “boycott,” depending on who you ask, following War Games, she’s stepping right back into the fire to challenge Maxxine Dupri for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

Dupri has been walking around acting like she owns the place since beating Lynch, but tonight is put-up-or-shut-up time. Honestly? If I were a betting man, I’d keep my eye on this match for a title change. Lynch looks ready to remind everyone why she’s The Man, and frankly, I don’t think she’s in the mood for Dupri’s antics tonight on Raw.

Tag Team Chaos

The Women’s Tag Team straps are also on the line on Raw. We’ve got Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY looking to take down the Kabuki Warriors, Kairi Sane and Asuka.

This one is going to be a sprint. Ripley and SKY have all the momentum in the world right now, but in the WWE tag division, chaos is usually the third teammate. With teams like Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair watching from the wings, don’t expect a clean finish here. It’s going to be messy, it’s going to be hard-hitting, and it’s going to be fun.

The X-Factor: Stranger Things Night?

Okay, let’s address the Demogorgon in the room. Tonight is officially Stranger Things Night on Raw. What does that mean for a wrestling show? Honestly, I have no idea. Are we getting a match in the Upside Down? Is Kane going to show up in a Hellfire Club shirt?

All I know is the Barclays Center crowd is encouraged to dress up, so expect to see a lot of trucker hats and ’80s gear in the front row. It’s a crossover event only Netflix could pull off, and hey, if it gives us a cool entrance set, I’m all for it.

Quick Hits: What Else to Watch For

• Liv Morgan is Back: She’s returning to the ring to face Lyra Valkyria. Can she steady the ship for Judgment Day after a rough couple of weeks?
• Y2J Return Rumors: GM Adam Pearce dropped a hint that might mean Chris Jericho is showing up. If that music hits, the roof is coming off the place.
• Gunther’s Path: After dismantling R-Truth last week, what is next for the Ring General? He made John Cena quit. Who on earth steps up to that?

So, grab your popcorn (and maybe an Eggo waffle). Tonight isn’t just another Monday Night Raw. It’s the start of the road to the Royal Rumble, and WWE is flooring the gas pedal.