In a dramatic main event at the PSD Bank Dome Düsseldorf on January 12, 2026, the highly anticipated AJ Styles vs Gunther Germany bout ended in controversy as Gunther walked away with the win despite tapping out—a moment the referee missed—prompting outrage among fans. Gunther capitalized on the confusion, delivering a low blow followed by a powerbomb to pin Styles, casting a shadow of frustration over his victory and setting the stage for future conflict.
Main Event Marred by Referee Error and Controversial Finish
The AJ Styles vs Gunther Germany headline match had the crowd of over 11,000 in Düsseldorf on edge, being the first Raw in Germany in nearly three decades. Styles started aggressively, targeting Gunther’s leg with punishing kicks and dragon screws. Despite Gunther’s powerful counters—including chops, a sleeper attempt, and a stinging clothesline—Styles repeatedly fought back, finally trapping Gunther in his signature Calf Crusher. As Gunther appeared to tap out, the referee was distracted and did not witness it, leading Styles to release the hold and demand recognition.
With the confusion unresolved, Gunther seized the moment when the referee’s attention was elsewhere, striking Styles with a low blow before planting him with a powerbomb to secure a tainted victory after nearly 18 minutes of intense action. The replay fueled further outrage, as commentator Wade Barrett suggested Gunther may have tapped intentionally while the referee was preoccupied, manipulating the situation to his advantage. This controversial outcome left Styles visibly angry and fans clamoring for a clear resolution in any potential rematch.
Gunther Responds to Styles’ Accusations
Earlier in the night, Gunther addressed Jackie Redmond, expressing his resentment towards Styles’ actions. He denounced Styles for slapping him over issues he had no part in, asserting his own accomplishments as the best competitor in the company. Gunther reminded everyone of his past feat, stating it was disrespectful to treat
“the man who made Cena tap out like a little bitch”
with such hostility, warning Styles of the consequences he could face inside the ring.
AJ Styles Sets Out to Teach Respect
Jackie Redmond caught up with AJ Styles before the showdown, where Styles emphasized the importance of respect in wrestling—towards the ring, peers, and the legends who’ve paved the way. Styles brought up John Cena, explaining that although they did not always see eye to eye, mutual respect united them. He criticized Gunther’s disrespect toward Cena and declared his intent to teach him a lesson. Styles proclaimed,
“In fact, I’m going to make you tap out like a little bitch.”
– AJ Styles, Wrestler
Other Night Highlights: Matches and Rivalries Intensify
Elsewhere on the card, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky welcomed the German audience, celebrating a tag title win and sparring with challengers Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria, before chaos erupted among all contenders. Iyo Sky delivered a pointed line:
“No one is ready for Rhiyo.”
– Iyo Sky, Wrestler
The evening featured a triple threat tag match to determine the next challengers for Ripley and Sky: Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez scored a victory over Asuka & Kairi Sane and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria after a frenetic contest filled with near falls, finishers, and interruptions. Morgan and Perez will take on Ripley and Sky for the titles in Montreal on January 24th.
Je’Von Evans Shines While El Grande Americano Targets Him
New Raw roster member Je’Von Evans impressed by defeating Bravo Americano in a fast-paced, athletic bout. The aftermath saw Evans attacked by El Grande Americano, who tossed him over the announce desk, escalating their animosity for future encounters.
CM Punk’s Title Reign Challenged by Finn Bálor
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk addressed the crowd, promising to remain champion and acknowledging the unpredictable road to WrestleMania. Finn Bálor interrupted, declaring his intention to challenge Punk without waiting for classic opportunities like the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber. The two exchanged words about respect and ambition, culminating in the agreed match set for next week in Belfast. Punk cautioned the local fans that Bálor’s homecoming wouldn’t spare him from defeat.
Bron Breakker’s Chaos Results in Suspensions
The tension between Bron Breakker and authority figure Adam Pearce reached a breaking point during the tag team contest featuring Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Penta, and Dragon Lee. Breakker’s aggressive interference led to a disqualification, and a heated confrontation with Pearce ensued backstage. Pearce, exasperated, suspended Breakker indefinitely for his actions. Paul Heyman, always scheming, pointed out that Pearce had initiated the physicality by putting hands on Breakker first, suggesting that the suspension might be temporary due to Pearce’s own conduct.
Developments in Women’s and Tag Team Divisions
The women’s division saw Becky Lynch responding in a recorded promo to being forced into a rematch against Maxxine Dupri. Lynch denounced Adam Pearce for favoritism, referencing how long she waited for her own shot at the title, while Dupri, with Alpha Academy, promised to come back stronger. Meanwhile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer’s rivalry escalated as Rodriguez mocked Vaquer’s injury, attacked her again, and left her vulnerable even as officials tried and failed to maintain order.
Backstage, Otis and Akira Tozawa appealed to Jey Uso for a tag title opportunity, leading to a comedic but competitive exchange that set the scene for future challenges in the tag team picture. Drew McIntyre’s recent championship presence in Glasgow was also featured, along with promotional segments for both WrestleMania and NXT.
Anticipation Builds for Next Week’s Belfast Show
The next Raw show, scheduled for Belfast, promises key championship matches, with Becky Lynch defending her title against Maxxine Dupri and CM Punk facing Finn Bálor for the World Heavyweight Championship. The outcomes from Germany have fueled storylines across the roster—from AJ Styles’ contentious loss to Bron Breakker’s uncertain status—all with significant ramifications for upcoming events.
Significance of AJ Styles vs Gunther Germany Showdown
The controversial finish of AJ Styles vs Gunther Germany not only reignited fan passions but also rekindled questions about sportsmanship, officiating, and the lengths wrestlers will go to maintain dominance. With the referee’s missed call at the center of debate and Gunther’s victory tainted by unfair advantage, anticipation is running high for a rematch that could finally settle the score. As the WWE landscape shifts in the wake of this event—from title pursuits to personal vendettas—this night in Düsseldorf will be remembered as a catalyst for change, with the eyes of the wrestling world now turning to Belfast and beyond.
