The CM Punk vs Bron Breakker rivalry came to a boiling point on WWE Monday Night Raw, December 29, 2025, as tensions between the two superstars set the stage for next week’s much-anticipated title match. Amid a night filled with fierce contests and shocking moments, this showdown headlined an episode that left fans eagerly awaiting what comes next in the ongoing saga for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Intense Build-Up to the CM Punk vs Bron Breakker Match
The focus of WWE Monday Night Raw shifted early in the night toward the upcoming CM Punk vs Bron Breakker match, set for January 5. The Vision, now bolstered by the official addition of Austin Theory and under the watchful guidance of Paul Heyman, opened the evening with a declaration of future dominance. Heyman emphasized the importance of that moment, highlighting the stable’s ambitions for enduring impact on the company. Austin Theory, proudly unveiling his allegiance, expressed that he’s devoted his entire life and career to reach this very point—then turned his attention to Bron Breakker, further fanning the flames of anticipation around Breakker’s main event credentials.
CM Punk’s arrival cut through the escalating hype as his music hit and the crowd erupted. Addressing Heyman and The Vision directly, Punk questioned the group’s zeal and cut to the heart of the matter—he wanted Bron Breakker face-to-face. As The Vision vacated the ring, Breakker made it clear that he’s done waiting for the future, insisting he’s already what the WWE needs now. He dared Punk to find anyone who’s stormed the company with the same intensity and speed, and made it personal by referencing his own journey from indie rings to pro football fields. Breakker vowed to bury Punk and seize the World Heavyweight Title, laying bare a hunger and urgency that clearly unsettled his rival.
Punk, not to be outdone, challenged Breakker’s readiness, insisting that while Breakker might be the most promising member of The Vision, holding the championship is a privilege, and Punk is not prepared to relinquish it yet. Dramatically throwing the title belt to the mat, Punk demanded Breakker pick it up, declaring he’s not ready to let it go. Punk made it clear that while someone might unseat him someday, it would not be Breakker. This passionate back-and-forth amplified the emotional stakes heading into their clash and set a tone of unresolved intensity for the weeks ahead.
Notable Results from December 29 WWE Raw
This final WWE Raw of the year delivered several thrilling matches, many of which have significant implications going forward:
- Stephanie Vaquer triumphed over Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez, retaining her Women’s World Championship with a decisive pinfall victory.
- Gunther maintained his dominant run, forcing R-Truth to submit in a highly physical contest.
- Rey Mysterio secured a disqualification win against Austin Theory after Logan Paul interfered; this led to the surprise return of Penta, who rescued Mysterio from a post-match onslaught by Theory and Paul.
- The Usos overcame AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, clinching the World Tag Team Championships in a dramatic main event.
These outcomes not only shaped title pictures but also set up potential new rivalries and storylines for early 2026.
Key Events and Promos Fuel Rivalries Across the Roster
The night was also defined by high-stakes confrontations and surprise returns. As The Vision cemented its new lineup, Paul Heyman and Austin Theory sought to position themselves as trendsetters for WrestleMania main events, reinforcing their collective strength to the WWE Universe.
Backstage, Gunther faced questions from Jackie Redmond regarding his commentary about John Cena. The exchange was interrupted by R-Truth, who confronted Gunther about ongoing disrespect, referencing past victories and issuing a direct in-ring challenge. Gunther accepted, setting up their later clash.
Asuka and Kairi Sane’s presence in the ring ignited further tension, with Asuka confidently boasting over her pin against Rhea Ripley. The duo’s dominance was challenged by Ripley and IYO SKY, leading to an all-out brawl that extended the ongoing feud among top contenders in the women’s division. Meanwhile, Jimmy Uso provided moral support to a frustrated Jey Uso before their championship contest, sharing words of encouragement that rallied his brother for their title opportunity.
Elsewhere, the women’s scene gained extra intrigue as Maxxine Dupri addressed the audience, celebrating her recent holiday and championship win. Becky Lynch confronted Dupri, offering backhanded praise and stoking the rivalry by suggesting that brief Dungeon training would hardly prepare Dupri for what’s next. The exchange hinted at further competition in the near future.
CM Punk and Bron Breakker’s Exchange Sets the Tone for the Main Event
The culmination of Raw centered on the unfiltered verbal warfare between CM Punk and Bron Breakker. Veteran observers noted Punk’s unmatched prowess on the microphone, as he displayed his characteristic sharpness and intensity without restraint. Breakker, whose confidence and promo skills have rapidly climbed, matched Punk’s vigor, making their championship match feel both unpredictable and intensely personal.
The stakes for the title are sky-high, and though Breakker’s momentum has observers considering his potential as the next champion, the prevailing sentiment is that Punk’s reign isn’t likely to end before the company’s marquee event at WrestleMania 42. Nevertheless, Breakker’s trajectory marks him as a future main event fixture and probable champion, while the shadow of Seth Rollins—recovering from injury—hangs over Punk’s eventual path as World Heavyweight Champion.
R-Truth Shows a Different Side Against Gunther
The night also spotlighted a different facet of R-Truth, reminding fans that beneath his renowned comic persona lies the accomplished background of a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. His serious approach during the confrontation with Gunther—referred to by longtime supporters as a return to his Ron Killings persona—was a powerful contrast to his usual antics. WWE audiences responded positively to this harder edge, especially in light of Gunther’s continued dominance since forcing John Cena into retirement, and it remains to be seen if R-Truth’s more focused side will persist as his storyline develops.
Once the John Cena heel turn storyline faded and R-Truth reverted to his established character, fans wondered if the company had missed an opportunity. Tonight’s brief flash of his serious side felt like a welcome shift and injected fresh energy into his rivalry with Gunther.
Additional Highlights and Looking Ahead
WWE Raw not only delivered high-stakes matches and heated promos but also saw the dramatic return of Penta, who intervened to protect Rey Mysterio from further harm—a development that could affect the ongoing feud involving Logan Paul and Austin Theory.
With Stephanie Vaquer holding firm as Women’s World Champion, The Usos rising again as tag champions, and new animosities brewing across the roster, WWE heads into 2026 with renewed momentum. The unresolved conflict between CM Punk and Bron Breakker, intensified by raw emotion and competitive fire, will finally reach its first climax at the upcoming championship match. The results of that clash, as well as the trajectories of top stars like Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, and Gunther, promise to shape the direction of WWE storylines in the early part of the new year.
