The WWE RAW January 12 matches unfolded at the PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany, taking place during WWE’s European tour and setting the stage for both Saturday Night’s Main Event and the 2026 Royal Rumble PLE. This episode delivered standout action, most notably the long-awaited and highly anticipated singles encounter between AJ Styles and Gunther, as well as a triple threat to determine the number one contenders for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
RAW Kicks Off With High-Flying Action: Je’Von Evans vs Bravo Americano
The opening match saw Je’Von Evans square off against Bravo Americano, continuing Evans’ ongoing feud with the Americanos. The match had an energetic start, with both competitors showcasing technical exchanges and assertive taunts, and the momentum quickly escalated to display more athletic, high-impact maneuvers. Evans, demonstrating his agility and creativity, managed to win the crowd with his dynamic movement and offense. Meanwhile, Bravo Americano impressed with his effective heel tactics and an impressive airplane spin that earned him audience approval, despite the challenge of playing a gimmick-heavy character.
Ringside interference from the Americanos added drama, but the outcome was predictable, as Evans’ ascendant star power in the Monday Night RAW roster was on full display. Both wrestlers made the most of their six minutes, ensuring that the bout never felt rushed, although it lacked strong storytelling elements. Je’Von Evans secured victory after landing a high-risk Spanish Fly and following up with an OG Cutter.
Triple Threat Women’s Tag Team Contest Determines Top Contenders
The evening’s second marquee contest was a triple threat match: Lyra Valkyria alongside Bayley faced The Judgment Day and the Kabuki Warriors, battling for the right to challenge Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. With many capable competitors in the ring, the bout was at times cluttered, leading to some awkward pacing and complicated setups where wrestlers waited for choreographed spots or attempted pins on the wrong participant. The Kabuki Warriors, comprised of formidable talent including Kairi Sane, brought an electric energy—Sane’s daring dive to the outside thrilled the crowd.
Lyra Valkyria’s strong offense and Bayley’s popularity kept the momentum rolling for their team, while the match’s intensity heightened as it reached its final moments. Ultimately, it was The Judgment Day who took advantage of the chaos. Morgan managed an opportunistic blind tag, delivered an Oblivion, and clinched the victory, even though the finish was marred slightly by a weak final maneuver. The outcome ensures fresh challengers in the women’s tag division, keeping the championship scene unpredictable.
The Vision Battle Dragon Lee & Penta in Tag Team Rivalry
The Vision entered RAW with something to prove, after Dragon Lee & Penta had interfered in the main event the previous week to assist CM Punk. Seeking vindication, the heel faction, featuring Bronson Reed and Austin Theory, took control of the match after a series of back-and-forth opening exchanges. The contest unfolded at a slower pace, but the German audience maintained a lively atmosphere and cheered throughout the encounter.
Dragon Lee & Penta attempted a fiery comeback that was cut short when Bron Breakker interjected with a powerful spear delivered to Lee outside the ring, causing a disqualification. While the ending was frustrating for the crowd, it made narrative sense, reflecting Bron Breakker’s lingering frustration following his previous week’s defeat. The rivalry between these factions is likely to intensify after this controversial outcome, suggesting this feud will continue to heat up on future episodes of Monday Night RAW.
AJ Styles and Gunther Face Off for the First Time in Unforgettable Main Event
The most anticipated contest on WWE RAW January 12 featured AJ Styles and Gunther meeting on WWE programming for the first time. The excitement in the PSD Bank Dome was palpable as the two superstars brought contrasting styles into a dramatic showdown. Styles initially established control, targeting the legs of Gunther, also known as The Ring General, exploiting this weakness as the match wore on. Gunther responded by unleashing heavy strikes, with forceful clotheslines and signature chops that sent Styles reeling outside the ring.
AJ Styles rallied, launching a torrent of attacks focused on Gunther’s lower limbs—utilizing Dragon Screws, low dropkicks, and the well-known Calf Crusher submission hold. This aggressive comeback drew the crowd into the battle and added desperation to the contest. As the match escalated, the two competitors exchanged brawling sequences and near-falls, keeping the fans on edge. In a twist that showcased Gunther’s cunning, he tapped out on Styles while the referee was distracted, prompting Styles to release his hold under the illusion of victory. Seizing the opening, Gunther struck with a low blow followed by a devastating powerbomb to secure the hard-fought win. The unique and contentious ending left the audience divided, but the encounter unquestionably lived up to expectations.
RAW’s Impact on Upcoming Events and WrestleMania Season
This episode of Monday Night RAW amplified the excitement surrounding WWE’s European tour and the imminent Royal Rumble PLE. The riveting main event between Gunther and AJ Styles demonstrated the depth of the current RAW roster, while storyline developments—including the ongoing feud involving Dragon Lee & Penta, the Americanos rivalry, and the shakeup in the women’s tag division—promise significant repercussions for the landscape of WWE moving forward. The results from Dusseldorf have set new narrative directions heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event, and with Royal Rumble on the horizon, the stakes for both emerging stars and established veterans are higher than ever.
