The January 26, 2026 edition of Monday Night RAW took place in Toronto, Ontario, featuring intense matches as WWE prepared for the upcoming Royal Rumble. The show included prominent wrestlers such as CM Punk, AJ Styles, Rey Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky, with the WWE RAW Match Rankings assessing which bout stood out as the night’s best.
Rey Mysterio’s Rematch with Austin Theory Delivered Solid Action
Rey Mysterio and Austin Theory faced off once more after their previous disqualification encounter, showcasing a clash filled with technical skill and crowd engagement. Theory portrayed a crafty antagonist, notably attempting to unmask Mysterio, while dominating several portions of the match. Mysterio responded with classic lucha libre techniques, including multiple hurricanranas that energized the fans.
Despite Mysterio’s resilience, riding on the momentum of his Ataxia kick-out, the momentum shifted due to distractions involving allies Penta and Dragon Lee at ringside. This interruption enabled Theory to land a decisive stomp to secure the victory. The match was regarded as competent, with both competitors demonstrating smooth ring work, yet it did not rise to exceptional heights. TheSportster awarded this encounter a 6.5 out of 10.
Women’s Tag Team Action Showcased Rhea Ripley’s Dominance
Following Stephanie Vaquer’s return from injury during Saturday Night’s Main Event, she joined forces with Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky to take on Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez at the RAW event. This match unfolded with a gradual buildup rather than a rapid start, gathering intensity when Ripley received a hot tag and unleashed a powerful offensive sequence.
Ripley’s arsenal included headbutts, a missile dropkick, and a Razor’s Edge finisher that stirred the crowd. Following fast-paced exchanges and a heroic dive from Vaquer outside the ring, Iyo Sky emerged to save Ripley from a double-team threat. Ultimately, Ripley secured victory by pinning Perez with a Riptide maneuver. While this encounter was solid, it fell slightly below expectations and earned a 6.5 out of 10 in TheSportster’s rankings.
Tag Team Number One Contenders Match Featured Competitive Energy
Four tag teams—Alpha Academy, New Day, Los Americanos, and American Made—battled for a chance at the World Tag Team Titles in a contest marked by athleticism and spirited performances. Los Americanos impressed with polished ring work, while the Creed brothers showcased strength and agility. The New Day infused personality through their entertaining heel tactics, and Alpha Academy brought a familiar mix of fun and underdog determination.
The audience’s enthusiasm grew as Otis and Akira Tozawa received a hot tag, allowing Tozawa to display his in-ring prowess. Despite The New Day attempting to turn the tide late in the match, the intervention of Jey Uso at ringside neutralized Grayson Waller’s efforts, enabling Alpha Academy to win after Tozawa executed a senton. The bout was occasionally chaotic but remained enjoyable, earning a 6.75 out of 10 rating from TheSportster.
CM Punk and AJ Styles Clashed in World Heavyweight Championship Match
The evening’s headline featured CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles in what may have been Styles’ final RAW appearance. From the outset, the match carried a tense atmosphere highlighted by intense crowd chants supporting both competitors.
The wrestlers exchanged technical maneuvers and submission attempts, gradually escalating into physical displays reminiscent of their signature moves. Punk paid homage to others by incorporating AJ Lee’s Shining Wizard and Samoa Joe-like offense. The crowd’s engagement fluctuated but surged during key moments, such as Punk’s flying elbow, Styles’ devastating GTS outside the ring, and a near-finish Styles Clash.
As the battle reached its climactic phase, Finn Balor entered the scene unexpectedly, attacking Punk to cause a disqualification and spoil what had been a hard-fought showdown. Balor’s interference firmly established his heel character, ending the main event on a frustrated and uncertain note. TheSportster gave this contest the highest score of the night at 7.25 out of 10.
Overall Impact of the Toronto RAW and Anticipation Moving Forward
This RAW event in Toronto served as a critical stage in building excitement for the Royal Rumble by delivering competitive encounters with moments of high drama and physical storytelling. While some matches surpassed expectations, others provided solid foundations for ongoing rivalries and character development.
The top-ranking CM Punk versus AJ Styles match underscored the caliber of talent WWE is showcasing, though the unresolved ending suggests continued tension heading into future events. Performances by Rhea Ripley and the tag teams also contributed to reinforcing storylines and championship implications. Fans can expect further intensification as WWE approaches the Royal Rumble and subsequent pay-per-view shows.
