Bron Breakker is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship during the next WWE RAW, raising speculation about whether a surprising ally could tip the balance in his favor. The drama surrounding this event, particularly with speculation about a forgotten WWE star possibly returning, has made the Bron Breakker World Heavyweight Championship storyline highly anticipated.
Santos Escobar Rumored to Intervene in Main Event
The stakes for Bron Breakker are high as he prepares to take on CM Punk for the coveted World Heavyweight Championship on RAW. Breakker secured his spot as the number one contender after pinning CM Punk, also known as The Second City Saint, in the Men’s WarGames Match at the 2025 Survivor Series. Both fans and insiders are contemplating unexpected twists to this title bout, as the creative direction led by Triple H might introduce a scenario no one sees coming.
One theory that has gathered momentum involves Santos Escobar, who has not appeared on television since renewing his contract with the company the previous October. Despite a surge in attention during his contract saga, Escobar was absent from subsequent broadcasts, and WWE opted not to leverage that fan interest for a television return—until now, perhaps. With RAW celebrating its first anniversary on Netflix, the creative team may seize this platform to bring back Escobar in a pivotal role.
Escobar could potentially show up during Breakker’s clash with Punk, intervening in the match and helping the 28-year-old challenger seize the World Heavyweight Championship. Should this scenario play out, Escobar might even become affiliated with The Vision, echoing how Austin Theory aligned himself with the villainous faction after providing crucial assistance in the past. This would add a new layer of intrigue to the unfolding heel storyline.
Possible Motivations Behind Escobar’s Return
For CM Punk, the stakes are more significant than ever, as this RAW marks his first defense of the World Heavyweight Championship. WWE may be reluctant to have him lose cleanly so soon after winning the title. Accordingly, a shock return and betrayal by Escobar would serve the dual purpose of protecting the champion’s status while facilitating a title change that feels credible and dramatic. If this does transpire, it would continue WWE’s recent pattern of high-impact storyline twists involving returning or overlooked talent.
It is important to note, however, that these rumors remain unconfirmed, and there has been no official word from the Triple H-led creative team regarding Escobar’s status or the exact plans for the upcoming title match between Breakker and Punk. As RAW approaches, fans will be watching closely for any signals or announcements from Stamford regarding the fate of Bron Breakker, the World Heavyweight Championship, and potential surprise alliances.
Kevin Nash Shares Doubts About CM Punk’s Future
Amid these title match speculations, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash publicly questioned CM Punk’s performance and future prospects as a champion. On his Kliq THIS podcast, Nash described watching Punk and Rey Mysterio team up against Bronson Reed and Austin Theory in a tag team contest. The duo was defeated after Theory pinned Mysterio, and Nash was left unimpressed by Punk’s showing during the match.
“I watched Punk in the main event of that match last Monday, the tag team match. Number one, if you’re the WWE Heavyweight Champion and you wrestle in a t-shirt, ouch. Number two, his punches looked really slow. He looked slow. I think it’s time for him. I think he’s done,” Nash said.
Nash’s remarks add further controversy to the Bron Breakker World Heavyweight Championship picture, amplifying the uncertainty about whether Punk can retain his championship under mounting pressure from both inside and outside the ring. All eyes now turn to the next episode of RAW, awaiting confirmation of these potential surprises and to see how both Bron Breakker and CM Punk’s futures are shaped by what unfolds.
Monday can’t come soon enough! 😤@bronbreakkerwwe will battle @CMPunk for the World Heavyweight Title on a special @Stranger_Things edition of #WWERaw, Jan. 5 at 8e/5p on @netflix pic.twitter.com/nhCRoAhoa1
— WWE (@WWE) January 4, 2026
