Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 01/19/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Jan 19, 2026 17:35 EST
WWE Raw Deal January 19

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring CM Punk facing Finn Balor, Becky Lynch against Maxxine Dupri again, and much more.

This week’s Raw is taking place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a 3 p.m. ET start time. It’s smart scheduling by WWE because the audience for the NCAA Football Finals tonight between Indiana and Miami will be massive. I like it because I can get my Raw review done earlier in the day and then check out the football game tonight. No more Monday Night Football competition for WWE after this until September, so that’s a good thing for WWE, too.

The Royal Rumble is less than two weeks away on January 31st, and there’s only been one Cody Rhodes promo about how he’s going to win it. They need to talk about the Rumble matches more and how important it is to win. You can’t assume everybody in the audience knows this stuff. There’s also Saturday Night’s Main Event this Saturday, January 24th.

Last week’s WWE Raw ended with Gunther beating AJ Styles in controversial fashion. Gunther tapped out to AJ’s Calf Crusher, but the referee never saw it, so Gunther was able to get the win with a Powerbomb.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1704 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was pre-show walking shown of CM Punk, Finn Balor (he got a huge pop when he was shown), Maxxine Dupri with Otis & Akira Tozawa, El Grande Americano with Rayo & Bravo, the trio of Rey Mysterio, Penta & Dragon Lee. Michael Cole noted it was the first time Raw was in Belfast, and there was an impressive pyro display to begin the show.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Mark Nash from SmackDown was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Gunther

Gunther’s music hit, and the crowd booed their fellow European. Gunther walked out dressed in all black in his street clothes. They replayed Gunther’s controversial win last week on Raw.

The Belfast fans were loudly booing Gunther, who enjoyed it as usual. Gunther told the fans to calm down. Gunther said that AJ Styles made a mistake last week because he walked into their match with his blinders on. Gunther said that Styles forgot he was in the ring with the greatest professional wrestler in this company. Gunther bragged about his title reigns, he put Goldberg to sleep and he made John Cena tap out. Gunther said that his future is very bright and will lead him back to the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther said he officially declares that he’ll be in the Royal Rumble.

AJ Styles arrived with the interruption, and he was cheered heavily. Styles made his WWE debut 10 years ago this month in the Royal Rumble. There were “AJ Styles” chants from the crowd, so Styles let them die down a bit.

Styles told Gunther that he knows Gunther wants to move on, but Styles does not. Styles said he wanted a rematch at the Royal Rumble. Gunther said he’s going to win the Royal Rumble and he’s not planning on pulling double duty, so his answer is no. Gunther was about to leave, so Gunther said it sounds like he is scared. Styles said they both know Gunther’s hand was raised, but Styles beat himself by showing him mercy. Styles told Gunther he tapped out like a little bitch. Styles told Gunther that if he’s scared, then he should say so, and they can move on.

Gunther said that last week he proved that he’s the smarter and better wrestler than Styles. Gunther claimed there was no incentive to wrestle Styles again, so his answer remains no. Gunther was about to leave, but then he got back into the ring. Gunther said there might be something he could do. Styles told him to name it. The fans chanted, “Oh Gunther’s a wanker.” And they did a nice job doing it. Gunther told Styles and the fans to shut up and listen. Styles told Gunther to name it. Gunther said if you want a rematch with him at the Royal Rumble, then Gunther wants Styles to put his career on the line. Gunther told Styles to think about it and if that is a hill worth dying on. Gunther told Styles to give him an answer by the end of the night, unless he’s a little bit scared. Styles said nothing as Gunther left.

Analysis: AJ Styles has said that he wants to retire this year, which we all know, so it’s an interesting way of potentially setting up a career-ending match. The difference with Styles and Goldberg/Cena is that in those cases, those guys were retiring whether they won or lost those matches. In this case, Styles’ retirement date is not known, so while I think Gunther could win that match at the Royal Rumble, I think it’s better for the story if Styles wins. They can probably do a rematch down the road, perhaps at WrestleMania, and that may be where Styles chooses to retire.

Maxxine Dupri was approached by Natalya in the backstage area. Dupri wondered what Natalya was doing there tonight. Natalya said she wanted to be in her corner to make sure Becky Lynch doesn’t cheat tonight. Dupri thanked Natalya and said she would see her out there.

Analysis: I don’t know why Dupri is asking Natalya why she is there when Natalya has worked there for almost 20 years. I know Natalya barely gets TV time in recent months, but it was a weird question to ask.

Becky Lynch made her entrance as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Even though she’s a heel, there were cheers for her since she’s from Ireland and they were in Northern Ireland. The show went on a break for some fans as Lynch did a promo. Lynch said it was the first time Raw has come to the island of Ireland and it’s so nice to come back home because it reminds her why she left (the fans booed). Lynch said that it’s fine for you, but she’s rich and famous. Lynch said her stepdad is from here, then he moved to Dublin and married a Dublin woman. Lynch said that she will be her new hero because, unlike Rory McIlroy, she won’t lose in the final hole because she’s the greatest female wrestler of all time. Lynch did her usual “everybody says it” bit and said “Welcome to the Big Time” to end it.

Analysis: Quality promo as usual from Becky Lynch. Cheap hit by trashing the city they are in.

Maxxine Dupri made her entrance, joined by Natalya. They replayed Raw two weeks ago when Becky Lynch cheated to beat Dupri for the Women’s IC Title two weeks ago.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri (w/Natalya)

It was Lynch in control early, and then Dupri came back with a takedown, leading to some punches. Dupri dropkicked Lynch out of the ring. Dupri hit a cannonball on Lynch on the floor. They were on the apron as Lynch hit a neckbreaker against the turnbuckle. They went on a break for some fans as Lynch hit a leg drop for a two count. Dupri got a backslide pin for two and another pin attempt for two. Lynch hit a boot to the face for two. Lynch hit the Bexploder for a two count. Dupri blocked a move by Lynch, leading to punches, and Lynch hit a clothesline for two. Lynch was frustrated about getting only two counts multiple times.

Dupri got some offense going, including a splash, and some kicks. Dupri hit a suplex, followed by a kip up and lowering the straps on her singlet. Dupri hit a leg drop to the back of the neck. Dupri went for a kick, Lynch avoided it and Lynch hit a reverse DDT-like move for a two count. Dupri countered a slam into a pin attempt, but Lynch came back with a crucifix pin for two. Lynch hit a hiptoss into an armbar on the left arm. Lynch applied the Disarm-her submission, but Dupri got out of it and applied an Ankle Lock. Lynch got out of that, and Dupri hit a roundhouse kick to the head for two. Dupri went up top, so Lynch knocked her down. Lynch hit a superplex from the middle turnbuckle, followed by a DDT for a two count. The referee checked on Dupri, so Lynch took the top turnbuckle pad off. Dupri rolled up Lynch for two. Dupri hit a German Suplex. Dupri went up and jumped off the top with a cross body block for two because Lynch countered into a pin attempt of her own. Dupri applied the Ankle Lock on Lynch again. Lynch tried to send Dupri into the exposed steel turnbuckle and then Dupri hit a spin kick, although it didn’t look like Dupri even touched Lynch. Dupri covered Lynch, and Natalya put Lynch’s foot on the bottom rope for a two count. The referee didn’t see. Dupri was stunned by it. Lynch recovered and hit a Manhandle Slam on Dupri for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Becky Lynch benefitting from Natalya turning heel on Maxxine Dupri to cost her the match. The progression of Dupri continues while Lynch was outstanding as usual. I think we could all see Natalya getting involved since she was at ringside for this match. Lynch winning by pinfall should put an end to this rivalry.

After the match, Natalya went into the ring and got a double leg takedown on Dupri. Natalya punched Dupri repeatedly as the fans booed. Natalya shouted at Dupri that she was never going to learn. Natalya slapped Dupri, who shoved her back. Natalya hit Dupri with the clothesline. Natalya stood tall over Dupri as the fans booed some more. Natalya put Dupri in the Sharpshooter. Cole shouted that somebody should stop this and referee Danilo Anfibio pulled Natalya off. Natalya punched Dupri repeatedly. They showed the announcers, but then Natalya attacked Dupri again. Natalya left ringside.

Analysis: There’s the heel turn from Natalya that I was hoping to see. We have seen her use the Nattie character in matches outside of the WWE ring, and I know she wants to bring that to WWE as well, so hopefully this attack will lead to that. Dupri will benefit from working with a veteran like Natalya, just like she did with Lynch.

There was a replay of Bron Breakker getting suspended by Adam Pearce last week.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was shown talking to AJ Styles. Pearce tried to advise Styles about what Gunther said to him. Styles said he would go call his wife. Styles left. Heyman walked up to Pearce, who said that Breakker is suspended. Heyman spoke about how The Vision has a 6-man tag team match. Pearce said he’ll be at ringside for The Vision’s match later in the show, which led to Heyman staring into the distance.

El Grande Americano and Los Americanos did an interview in the upper deck with Cathy Kelley. This was during a break for some fans. Grande (Ludwig Kaiser) spoke in Spanish, so I had no idea what he said at the start. Grande, Rayo and Bravo spoke with fake broken English accents. Grande said that miracles only happen once and Je’Von Evans’s luck is going to run out tonight. Grande said that Evans will learn a thing or two from him.

A video aired about Finn Balor challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title two weeks ago on Raw.

The Judgment Day’s Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez spoke in the backstage area. Raquel said that Stephanie Vaquer isn’t cleared, but when she is, Raquel will take her title. Finn Balor was there. Liv talked about how they are all going to have championships. Liv said that she thought Perez was a liar and schemer, but now Perez is her prodigy and her friend. Perez said she won’t let Liv down as they try to become Women’s Tag Team Champions. Balor said we’re on his island with the World Heavyweight Title on the line and he’s not leaving here without it. Balor left.

Analysis: There’s some progression on the Liv/Roxanne story. Many people thought they would have issues, but instead, they get along, and Liv said she thinks of Perez as her prodigy. They

Jey Uso made his entrance in the crowd as one half of the World Tag Team Champions. The crowd was Yeeting with him. Jey said he put the tag team division on notice last week. Jey said that he’s officially declaring his spot in this year’s Royal Rumble. Jey claimed he’s about to be back to back Royal Rumble winner. Jey said Big Jim and Trin, they love them, and did a “Yeet” to end it.

Analysis: It was the second week in a row where Jey Uso did a promo without Jimmy Uso. I assume Jimmy is back home with his very pregnant wife Naomi, which is why Jey did a shoutout to them. The baby’s birth is likely coming soon, so I hope it goes well.

Adam Pearce was approached by The New Day and Grayson Waller in the backstage area. The New Day complained about flying all the way over there on their favorite holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Waller said it was his favorite too. The New Day whined about wanting a title shot. Pearce said that next week there’s a Fatal 4-Way tag team match and the winners get a shot at the World Tag Team Titles. The New Day complained as Pearce left.

The Vision’s Logan Paul, Austin Theory and Bronson Reed made their entrance with Paul Heyman. The trio of Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee and Penta made their entrance as the opponents. This was during a break for some fans.

Rey Mysterio, Penta & Dragon Lee vs. The Vision – Logan Paul, Bronson Reed & Austin Theory (w/Paul Heyman)

Raw GM Adam Pearce was seated at ringside to watch the match. Lee and Theory started the match, as Theory hit an elbow to knock Lee. The fans were booing Logan loudly as Penta tagged in. Penta kicked Logan in the leg and Penta hit a Slingblade. Logan kicked Penta, followed by a Blockbuster. Penta kicked Logan, then Penta went for a springboard attack and Logan hit an uppercut. Rey faced off against Reed in a size mismatch. Reed caught Rey off the ropes and Reed hit a belly-to-back suplex. Theory tagged in with a clothesline on Raw and Logan hit an uppercut. Reed splashed Rey against the turnbuckle. Theory tagged in, Rey shoved Theory into the turnbuckle. The babyface trio all hit different kicks on Theory. The three heels were outside the ring, so Pena and Lee hit somersault dives over the top and Rey hit a moonsault at the same time. The fans popped huge for that. It was cool. They went on a break for some fans as the heels took over when Reed clotheslined Lee. That led to quick tags by the heels as they took turns beating up Lee for a few minutes.

The Vision was in control as Theory hit a fallaway slam on Lee. The fans were singing something mean about Logan Paul. Lee avoided a splash attempt by Reed. Reed knocked Rey and Penta off the apron. Reed hit an impressive powerslam on Lee for two because Rey and Penta broke up the pin. Reed missed a senton splash as usual. Logan tagged in, Lee tried to break free and Theory tagged in to prevent Lee from tagging out. Lee hit a hurricanrana on Theory to break free. Rey was back in with a headscissors, followed by punches and a trip into the ropes. Rey went for a 619, but Theory caught him and Penta tagged himself in. Penta hit a clothesline and a jumping kick to the head. Penta hit the Penta Driver for a two count because Reed made the save. The illegal guys all hit moves to clear the ring. Rey tried to slide onto Logan on the floor, but Logan caught him on the floor. Logan sent Rey into the barricade. Penta and Lee kicked Logan on the floor. Penta and Lee superkicked Reed out of the ring. Lee jumped over the top with a somersault dive onto Reed on the floor. Theory stopped Penta with a forearm to the jaw. Theory suplexed Penta on the knee for two. Heyman and Peare were on the apron arguing with the referee. Paul tossed Theory the brass knuckles, but the referee stopped that. Pearce took the brass knuckles from Theory. Heyman complained about Pearce putting his hands on Paul’s guys. Pearce argued with Heyman. Rey got the brass knuckles that Pearce dropped at ringside. Rey punched Theory with the brass knuckles and Penta superkicked Logan. Penta hit a Canadian Destroyer on Theory for the pinfall win after about 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rey Mysterio, Penta & Dragon Lee

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great tag team match that was full of action and a creative finish with the babyfaces benefitting from the heels trying to cheat to win. It continues the story with Heyman having issues with Pearce, which will likely escalate more in the weeks ahead. I really like the Rey, Penta, Lee team and it would be nice if the LWO was still around because then they could say they are part of a stable again, but instead, the group just went away quietly. The Vision guys don’t lose that often, so the L is a bit rare for them, but I like how it was booked.

The World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who asked how Punk ensures that he will still be the champion near Balor’s home. Punk said that this is the kind of pressure that allows him to prove he’s the best in the world. Punk said that pressure that will break Finn Balor tonight.

A video aired about Martin Luther King Jr. for MLK Jr. Day in the US.

The New Day and Grayson Waller interrupted Cathy Kelley in the balcony of the arena for a promo during the break for some fans. Xavier Woods complained about how others don’t seem to care about the tag team division. Kofi Kingston complained about not wanting to be in this country. Kofi and Woods said they’d beat their opponents. Woods ended it with his “Thank God for The New Day” bit.

Adam Pearce was backstage with Paul Heyman, who sucked up to Pearce, saying he’s the best Raw GM ever. Heyman suggested that Pearce may get fired and wanted Pearce to answer the phone call that was coming in for him. Heyman left while Pearce took the call.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky aka Rhiyo

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, aka Rhiyo, made their entrance in non-wrestling gear, and they got a big ovation as usual. They will defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th.

Rhea Ripley welcomed Belfast to Monday Night Rhiyo. Ripley said that they’ll defend the WWE Tag Team Titles against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Ripley said when it comes to them, and The Judgment Day, Iyo said that they are always on top. Ripley added that she and Sky will be participating in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. The fans cheered.

Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez showed up for the predictable interruption. Liv said they are taking the titles back. Perez wondered how Ripley and Sky will be in the Women’s Rumble match together. Liv told Sky that Ripley is going to turn her back on Sky at the end of the day. Liv said that Ripley did it to her. Liv said that Ripley’s selfishness will leave her with nothing and no one. Perez said that Raquel, Liv, and she will be in the Women’s Royal Rumble. Perez said that a member of The Judgment Day will go on to “main event” WrestleMania.

Ripley said that it feels like a projection to her. Ripley wondered how it will work with the three Judgment Day women in the Rumble match. Raquel Rodriguez showed up to kick Ripley from behind. Morgan hit a Codebreaker on Sky and Raquel hit a Tejana Bomb on Sky. Ripley tried to attack the three heels, but she was overwhelmed. Liv hit the Oblivion on Rhea. The Judgment Day stood tall in the ring.

Analysis: It was another women’s segment on this show, with the heels standing tall over the babyfaces. At least five women declared for the Royal Rumble, so that’s nice to see since we hadn’t had many people declaring for it. I think Liv Morgan might be my pick to win this year, but I don’t know yet if that’s my official pick.

A commercial aired for the Royal Rumble on January 31st. It is 12 days away.

El Grande Americano made his entrance, joined by Rayo and Bravo. This was during a break for some fans.

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were backstage, frustrated about not getting tag team opportunities. Lyra said she hates losing, but she hates feeling like she let her friend down. Bayley said she could never let her down. Bayley said neither of them got pinned. Bayley said one of them could win the Royal Rumble. They both admitted that they would be okay if the other won the Royal Rumble. They hugged.

Analysis: It is Royal Rumble declaration season after all.

Je’Von Evans vs. El Grando Americano (w/Rayo & Bravo)

Evans and Grande exchanged pin attempts, leading to a kick by Grande. Evans hit an impressive dropkick. Grande got a hold of Evans on the apron, but Evans got bouncy with a hurricanrana. Evans hit a dropkick. Grande hit a jumping kick to the head after a distraction. Grande kicked Evans out of the ring. Evans avoided Bravo and Rayo trying to do cheap shots on him. Evans jumped off the top with a springboard clothesline on Grande. They went on a break for some fans as Grande regrouped on the floor. Grande was killing time at ringside while Evans was getting checked on by a ringside doctor for an injury. The referee, Jessika Carr, talked to Grande and also communicated with people backstage. Cole mentioned the ringside doctor talking to Evans, but they didn’t know why.

Je’Von Evans was shown on the floor, and the bell rang. The ring announcer, Mark Nash, announced that El Grande Americano was the winner. Evans looked like he was favoring his right arm/shoulder area as he walked to the back with the ringside doctor and referee. It went about 7 minutes.

Winner: El Grande Americano

Analysis: * It’s hard to rate the match since it was incomplete due to Evans suffering a legit injury. I hope it’s not a long-term thing and that Evans will be able to bounce back soon. I assume Evans was going to win this match.

There was a replay of Natalya turning on Maxxine Dupri and Becky Lynch beat Dupri because of it.

Finn Balor was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Balor spoke about how Punk is a fighting champion and Balor is going to be the new World Heavyweight Champion in front of Balor’s people. The fans cheered.

A clip was shown of WWE Unreal Season 2 with Triple H talking about R-Truth’s contract coming up last summer. Triple H claimed that R-Truth was never fired, but that he was told that his contract wouldn’t be renewed. R-Truth admitted he thought he was released. Road Dogg said that it made business sense to not renew his contract, and at his age, you may not get that reward back. The new season is on Netflix starting January 20.

The trio of Rey Mysterio, Penta and Dragon Lee were interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the upper deck. Rey claimed that Paul Heyman thinks he has The Vision of future main eventers in WWE. Rey said that this is his vision with Penta and Lee as future main eventers. Rey said all three of them will be in the Royal Rumble. Lee said he’s excited about his first Royal Rumble and he’ll bring the fire. Penta said that together they will make history because they have no fear.

Analysis: More Royal Rumble declarations. That’s fine with me.

A video aired of Oba Femi, like we see every week on Raw and SmackDown. I assume he’ll be in the Royal Rumble, but that’s not official.

The Vision approached Adam Pearce, who told Paul Heyman he wants Bron Breakker on Raw next week. Heyman said it was because of a phone call. Pearce said he wants to speak to him man to man. Heyman told Pearce he better be on his best behavior.

AJ Styles walked up to Raw GM Adam Pearce. Styles said he talked to his wife, he never heard her swear so much and he’s been married to her for 25 years. Styles said that his wife told him to kick Gunther’s ass. Pearce told Styles there’s no coming back from this. Styles said he understood. Pearce shook AJ’s hand and told him it’s official.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event takes place this Saturday, January 24th, in Montreal, and here’s the lineup:

* Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way Match: Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez

* Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu

Analysis: There are usually 4 matches on SNME shows, so I assume a fourth match gets added soon.

Asuka and Kairi Sane were in the locker room with Asuka yelling at Sane, who apologized to her. Asuka said that Sane lost their titles, and Sane lost last week. Asuka said it almost hurt as much as Iyo Sky turning on her. Sane said she knows how Asuka feels. Sane said she promises she’ll make sure Asuka wins the Royal Rumble. Sane said she’ll do anything. Asuka said, “Good girl.” Asuka told Sane not to make Asuka yell at her again. Asuka left.

CM Punk made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion and the fans cheered. Punk spoke into the camera, saying they told him he was going to be the bad guy, but Punk was cheered loudly. The fans sang along with the “Cult of Personality” song as usual. They went on a break for some fans as they chanted for him and cheered for him for a few minutes.

It’s official: Gunther vs. AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble with AJ’s career on the line.

Finn Balor made his entrance and the fans were singing and chanting in support of the Irishman. Balor walked out to his classic Finn Balor theme song, and the “Balor Country” phrase appeared on his entrance graphic. It was the classic entrance with Finn extending his arms as his classic entrance music hit. Balor spoke into the camera, saying he couldn’t even hear the music. Balor got into the ring and ring announcer Mark Nash did the championship introductions. The fans were loudly behind Balor, but they liked Punk too. There were some boos during the introductions, though.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor

Punk took control of Balor with a wrist lock and there were boos, so the fans were definitely behind Balor as the match began. Balor grabbed a side headlock, Punk broke free and Punk hit a jumping side kick. Punk hit a running knee smash. Punk went for a sunset flip, Balor rolled through and hit a low dropkick to the face. Balor grabbed a headlock, so Punk hit a backbreaker to get out of that. Balor was sent out of the ring and Punk hit a suicide dive to knock Balor over the commentary table. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Balor barely beat the referee’s ten count to get back into the ring. Punk hit a backbreaker and sent Balor hard into the turnbuckle. Punk grabbed a chinlock, Balor broke free and Punk came back with a neckbreaker for two. Punk worked over Balor with forearms to the chest. Balor countered Punk with a rollup and Punk hit a back elbow, followed by a chinlock to slow things down.

Punk was in control with the running knee against the turnbuckle, along with the bulldog for a two count. Punk grounded Balor again, until Balor fought back and they exchanged punches. Punk hit Balor with some jabs, there were forearms and Balor hit a Pele Kick. The fans were strongly behind Balor, although there were some chants for Punk too. Balor chopped Punk a few times, along with punches and kicks to the body. Balor jumped over Punk by the turnbuckle, Balor got a takedown and a stomp to the chest. Balor hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Punk tried a GTS on Balor, but Balor came back with a few kicks to the head to knock Punk down. Balor went up top, so Punk was back up with a knee to the head. Punk gave Balor a superplex off the top. Balor was able to get a two count after that. Punk was back up with a clothesline. They were both down selling after that. Balor hit a backbreaker variation, followed by a clothesline out of the ring. Balor ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive over the top onto Punk on the floor. Balor hit the running dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top and jumped off, but Punk avoided the Coup de Grace. Punk picked up Balor and hit the Go To Sleep (GTS) for a two count because Balor got his left shoulder up. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice submission, but Balor crawled towards the ropes where Balor got his foot on the bottom rope to force the break. When Punk said it’s time for Balor to go to sleep, the fans booed that. Punk lifted Balor, who fought out of it with elbow smashes to the head. Balor hit a Slingblade and a dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor hit another dropkick into the turnbuckle. Balor went up top and Punk hit a Coup de Grace for just a two count because Punk shot his left shoulder up right before the three count. The fans thought that was it because it is Balor’s finishing move and Punk kicked out of it. Balor was frustrated about not getting the win. Punk was back up, he went for a GTS, Balor got out of it and Balor got a pin attempt for two. Punk rolled up Balor, then Punk was able to power up with Balor on his shoulders and Punk hit the GTS for a second time for the pinfall win. It went about 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: CM Punk

Analysis: **** It was a terrific main event match between two talented veterans. A four-star main event is never a bad thing. Each guy kicked out of finishing moves and they sold everything so well throughout the match. Even though Balor got that nearfall with the Coup de Grace for a two count, I didn’t expect a title change here since Punk has been the champion since November, and this feels like a title change where he’s going to keep the title until WrestleMania at least. Getting a PLE-like main event on Raw like that is a wonderful thing and a testament to how great these two guys are as pro wrestlers. It was fun to see babyface Finn Balor again. I wonder if this is going to lead to him becoming a singles babyface wrestler and dump The Judgment Day soon, because I think Balor is ready to move on from that stable.

After the match, there were replays of the key spots while both guys were selling fatigue after a great performance.

CM Punk walked over to Balor, picked him up, and said something to him. Punk held Balor’s arm up for the fans. Punk and Balor hugged in the middle of the ring. After Balor left the ring, Punk posed with the World Title. Balor watched Punk celebrate. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: I thought perhaps there would be a post-match attack by Finn Balor, but that didn’t happen. Instead, it was just posing from Punk. As I mentioned above, I want to see Balor in babyface mode again, so maybe they can use this story to get him into being a babyface instead of a heel with The Judgment Day. I think a lot of fans would welcome that change for Balor.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 26 minutes on Netflix.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. CM Punk
  2. Finn Balor
  3. Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee & Penta, and Natalya

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The Scoreboard

7.75 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

There have been some outstanding matches on Raw and SmackDown to start the year. We got another one on this show between CM Punk and Finn Balor. No angle or anything like that. It was about putting on a great World Title match that Punk won cleanly while Balor was back in babyface mode in Belfast. As I mentioned in the review, I hope it leads to Balor becoming a babyface again. Maybe he can turn face on Dominik Mysterio and get the IC Title at WrestleMania. I don’t know if that’s the plan, but it would work.

The Gunther-AJ Styles promo exchange was interesting, and it sets up their match at the Royal Rumble. Gunther won the first match, I expect Styles to win this one (perhaps controversially) and then they can do a third match at WrestleMania, which could be AJ’s actual retirement match.

That six-man tag with Rey, Penta, and Lee beating The Vision was very good. I enjoyed the Natalya heel turn on Maxxine Dupri and I hope it leads to more time for Natalya, perhaps as the “Nattie” character she’s used outside of WWE. I feel bad for Je’Von Evans getting injured, and I hope it’s not too serious for the talented young man. (Update: Early word is they had fears of a concussion and Evans should be okay, so that’s good.)

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event takes place this Saturday, January 24th, in Montreal. Here are the matches announced so far:

* Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way Match: Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn

* Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu

* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez

You can watch Saturday Night’s Main Event, streaming live on January 24 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and WWE’s YouTube channel internationally.

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John Canton

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