WWE Raw delivered a thrilling episode from PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany on January 12, 2026, as fans witnessed the highly anticipated AJ Styles vs. Gunther showdown. The event showcased intense action, key storylines, and a raucous European crowd, spotlighting the significance of the AJ Styles vs. Gunther contest on international soil.
The show opened with ring announcer Alicia Taylor welcoming a crowd of 11,489, with the arena almost reaching maximum wrestling capacity. Michael Cole and the commentary team set the stage with views of the bustling arena, excited fans, and top WWE talent arriving early, including C.M. Punk, Je’Von Evans, Los Americanos, AJ Styles, and Gunther. WWE Raw’s visit marked its debut at the venue, raising expectations for an electric night.
Recapping Rivalries and Building Toward the Women’s Tag Team Spotlight
The night started with a recap video highlighting major developments from the previous Raw, especially C.M. Punk’s victory over Bron Breakker. This set a dramatic tone for an episode featuring several unresolved storylines.
In the women’s division, newly crowned WWE Tag Team Champions Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley celebrated their win, asserting their dominance. Ripley declared they had finally put the Kabuki Warriors “in their place,” while Sky promised to defend the titles against any challengers. The confrontation escalated when Liv Morgan, who claimed she never really lost her titles but had them stripped away, and Roxanne Perez interrupted the champions. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria entered with their own ambitions. The division’s tensions peaked as Asuka and Kairi Sane ambushed Ripley and Sky. As chaos unfolded, the champions regrouped in an empty ring, leaving the title picture wide open.
Backstage Words and Rivalries Intensify
Backstage, WWE Raw provided another layer to the AJ Styles vs. Gunther narrative. Interviewed by Jackie Redmond, Styles commented on Gunther’s prior emphasis on respect, noting how he and John Cena once bonded over the word. Styles vowed to teach Gunther the true meaning of respect and confidently predicted a decisive victory by submission. This segment amplified anticipation for their main event clash.
High-Energy Matches and Crowd Engagement
The evening’s in-ring action kicked off with Je’Von Evans battling Bravo Americano, who was supported by El Grande Americano and Rayo Americano. The match was marked by fast-paced exchanges and distractions, with Rayo attempting to interfere. Evans managed to turn the tide, hitting a Spanish Fly off the top and following up with an OG Cutter to secure the win after six minutes. In the aftermath, Evans escaped a three-on-one attack, demonstrating both tenacity and ingenuity against the odds.
Elsewhere backstage, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce informed referees and women’s tag teams that all disputes would be settled by the end of the night, signaling the ongoing commitment to meaningful resolutions within WWE programming. Pearce’s conversation with Paul Heyman revealed that Bron Breakker was sent home for the night, adding to the unpredictability in Raw storylines.
C.M. Punk Addresses the WWE Universe and Challenges Await
C.M. Punk received a hero’s welcome as he made his entrance. The champion reiterated his ambition to remain on top, acknowledging that plans can quickly change in WWE, especially referencing Cody Rhodes as an example of unexpected outcomes. Punk maintained that with fan support, he could overcome challenges and declared the road to WrestleMania would go through him.
Finn Balor interrupted, and fans were reminded of his pivotal role in The Judgment Day faction. After some challenge and rivalry talk, Balor made it clear he was not jumping the line but would pursue the championship on his terms, hinting at future clashes, particularly with next week’s WWE Raw set in Belfast, Ireland.
Previewing the Main Event: AJ Styles vs. Gunther
Michael Cole presented a video package hyping the headlining match between AJ Styles and Gunther. As two highly decorated competitors prepared for battle, the excitement within the arena grew palpable. Gunther, with his imposing presence, and Styles, renowned for his technical prowess, represented two of WWE’s finest.
Women’s Tag Team Division Showdown Adds to the Energy
The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane, entered the fray for a triple threat tag team match alongside Bayley & Lyra Valkyria and the team of Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez. The contest was fast and competitive, punctuated by high-flying moves and crowd chants. Liv Morgan’s shoulder injury from last year, which forced her to give up her tag title, was referenced, adding context and emotion to her performance.
Shortly before the hour mark, the Kabuki Warriors and their challengers delivered a show-stealing sequence, culminating in a six-woman superplex from the corner—a move that fired up the Dusseldorf crowd, who responded with a unified chant of “This is awesome!” Cole praised the energy of the over 11,000 fans in attendance. The tag team division’s competitiveness was on full display, with every team striving to make a statement.
A Look Forward: Ongoing Conflicts and Upcoming Matches
As the night advanced, anticipation grew for upcoming matches and feuds. WWE Raw teased further appearances, including tag team contests featuring Penta & Dragon Lee versus Austin Theory & Bronson Reed, and a future confrontation between Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer. The ongoing stories in the women’s and men’s divisions ensured that the momentum would continue beyond the Dusseldorf event.
With AJ Styles vs. Gunther headlining a memorable card, WWE Raw’s first outing at the PSD Bank Dome succeeded in delivering thrilling action, heated rivalries, and moments that set the stage for future episodes. The international setting added significance, giving fans and superstars alike a night to remember on the ongoing road to WrestleMania.
