WWE Raw Stranger Things Night took over the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on January 5, 2026, kicking off the new year with an electrifying episode streamed live on Netflix. The special event featured high-stakes championship bouts, captivating fans as WWE brought a one-of-a-kind crossover with the beloved Netflix series into its annual anniversary show.
The WWE Raw Stranger Things Night brought together stars including CM Punk, Bron Breakker, Maxxine Dupri, Becky Lynch, The Kabuki Warriors, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky. Fans witnessed three major title contests as part of an action-filled evening drawing on nostalgia and supernatural elements from Stranger Things, blending signature wrestling drama with innovative production design.
WWE Stars Step Into the Upside Down for Championship Battles
The atmosphere inside the Barclays Center was transformed to bring the legendary Stranger Things universe to life. Props reminiscent of the hit series, unique lighting, and thematic set pieces immersed both the audience and participants in a new kind of WWE experience. Commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves made their entrance emerging from a show-inspired van, setting the tone with banter that connected 1980s nostalgia—central to Stranger Things—directly to the evening’s wrestling drama.
Fans received a warm introduction punctuated by dazzling fireworks, as WWE paid homage to both its long-running history and the Stranger Things franchise. As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, the main event matches were ready to launch, ensuring the night would become a standout in WWE Raw’s history.
The Kabuki Warriors Defend Women’s Tag-Team Titles in High-Energy Opener
The first championship on the line brought The Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—into the ring to defend their WWE Women’s Tag-Team titles against the formidable team of Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. The crowd responded with deafening cheers for Ripley, affectionately known as “Mami,” and her partner Sky as they took to the stage in front of the energized arena.
After Alicia Taylor delivered the official introductions and the arena lights dimmed in anticipation, the match began with Iyo Sky facing off against Asuka. Sky quickly gained the advantage, forcing Asuka to regroup on the outside. Rhea Ripley capitalized with a dynamic splash onto both members of The Kabuki Warriors at ringside, firing up the Brooklyn fans further as the bout went into a commercial break.
Upon return, Asuka had seized control in the ring, dominating Sky with methodical offense. Sane joined her for several double-team maneuvers, targeting their former Damage CTRL teammate outside the ropes and gloating in front of the audience. Their coordinated teamwork saw Asuka and Sane rotating seamlessly, consistently applying pressure to wear down Sky.
Eventually, Sky managed a desperate tag to Ripley, injecting fresh energy into her team. Despite Ripley’s powerful presence, The Kabuki Warriors quickly adapted, utilizing swift tags and strategic teamwork to bring Ripley under the same relentless assault they executed on her partner. The ongoing title clash kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as the champions asserted their dominance, blending athleticism with the night’s thematic flair.
Previewing the Remaining WWE Raw Stranger Things Night Highlights
In addition to the tag-team spectacle, the rest of the evening’s lineup promised continued intensity. CM Punk was set to face Bron Breakker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, a contest certain to attract widespread attention. Maxxine Dupri would challenge Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental title, and Lyra Valkyria was scheduled to compete against Liv Morgan, further raising the stakes for women’s wrestling on the special episode.
Gunther’s anticipated appearance and a special interview with Stephanie Vaquer rounded out the star-studded card, ensuring fans were treated to surprises and high drama throughout WWE Raw Stranger Things Night. The Barclays Center audience, along with at-home viewers on Netflix, experienced an event that balanced nostalgia, storytelling, and top-level athletic performance.
What the Themed WWE Raw Could Mean for Future Shows
By melding the worlds of WWE and Stranger Things, this anniversary episode proved the potential of innovative crossover programming for the wrestling brand. Featuring fan-favorite talents like Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Iyo Sky, and the event’s other major names, the spectacle not only rewarded long-term viewers but could signal more creative collaborations in the future. With titles on the line and the stakes set high, WWE Raw Stranger Things Night showed how themed events can energize both in-person fans and streaming audiences worldwide.
