Will Toronto the Good be phenomenal?

Before they battle in Saudi Arabia, both Gunther and AJ Styles are here in Toronto for Monday Night Raw. But will it be The Phenomenal One’s last?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Woman Tag: Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Judgment Day; Vaquer, Rhea & Iyo win.
• Rey Mysterio w/ Dragon Lee & PENTA VS Austin Theory w/ The Vision; Theory wins.
• WWE World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS Otis & Akira Tozawa VS The Creed Brothers VS Los Americanos; Otis & Tozawa win and will challenge for the titles.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk VS AJ Styles; Punk wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

AJ Styles is here!

Toronto fires up for the Phenomenal One on what could be his final Raw as a wrestler. Styles high-fives fans as he goes to the ring, and he gets the mic while they cheer him on. Styles welcomes the fans to Monday Night Raw and the fans cheer even more! Styles says, “That feels good to say, I gotta be honest. But there’s a man in the back that would claim that will be the last time I ever say it.” The fans boo, but Styles says yeah, Gunther claims he will end Styles’ WWE career at the Royal Rumble. That is Gunther’s plan, but Styles ain’t going anywhere! The fans cheer, and Styles says he has made it clear, he didn’t hide it from the fans.

Styles said it loud that 2026 is the year Styles retires. The fans chant, “Don’t Retire!” Styles shrugs and says, “Listen, I’m not talking about retirement because I’m trying to upset you. I’m saying it so we can enjoy it together.” The fans cheer that, and Styles says that John Cena showed us that it could take a year to say goodbye. 2025 was the Year of John Cena, so there’s no reason that 2026 can’t be the Year of AJ Styles! There are locker rooms of men all over the world that he’d love to wrestle one more time. And he wants to be WORLD CHAMPION one more time! The fans cheer that, too! Styles says he isn’t saying Gunther isn’t good. Styles’ back IS against the wall.

But what Styles is saying, is that Gunther is NOT phenomenal! The fans cheer that, too! And then C M PUNK makes his way out! The fans cheer as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion walks out on stage, and they sing along with Cult of Personality. Punk also high-fives fans as he makes his way to the ring, and he grabs a mic while the fans finish singing. The fans chant for Punk and he asks if they’ve figured out why he’s out here. Well, we’ll get there. Punk says he has known Styles for OVER 20 years. They’ve been friends, enemies, and in 2026, there is nothing but respect here. Styles nods in agreement.

So Punk wants to publicly ask Styles: What is he doing? Styles is putting his career on the line against Gunther at Royal Rumble? That means if it doesn’t go Styles’ way, he’s done. And Punk likes to think that guys like them have a lot of gas left in the tank. There are still a lot of moments to make in front of the fans. There is still time to say things like, “Is it great to be alive in Toronto on a Monday night or what?” The fans cheer that! And selfishly, Punk has watched Styles’ career, the entirety of their friendship, and he looks to Saturday like, the stakes are just too high. Styles has Punk hold on a moment. Is Punk saying that Punk does not think Styles can beat Gunther?

Punk asks if that’s what he said, and Styles says Punk implied it. Punk says he’s not saying that. He knows Styles, he SAW Styles beat Gunther last week! But we also saw Styles… not get his hand raised. We saw the ref raise Gunther’s hand. So if it doesn’t go Styles’ way on Saturday, then we never see Punk VS Styles 1v1 in the WWE. The fans boo that idea. Styles knows Punk doesn’t mean it that way, but it just… It comes across disrespectful. Punk says no, he’s not being disrespectful. Maybe just selfish. Styles says hold on, and the fans have the same idea. “Fight Tonight! Fight Tonight!” Styles says he knows he can beat Gunther, and he knows he can beat Punk.

The fans cheer, and Punk smirks. Well, there it is. But it is hard to beat a good team twice. If it doesn’t happen on Saturday, Styles doesn’t get to prove he can beat Punk. So gosh, guys, what do we do? The fans again say, “Fight Tonight! Fight Tonight!” Punk shrugs, and Styles says, “So… Let’s just say we do fight tonight.” The fans cheer already, and Punk follows along. Styles says he can beat Punk. And then after Styles beats Gunther, that’d make Styles the #1 Contender. Punk thinks on that, and he tells both Styles and Toronto that he won this title on November 1st and vowed to be a fighting champion.

If Punk and Styles do this tonight in Toronto… It’s gonna be for the belt! The fans cheer that, too! “YES! YES! YES!” Punk recaps it: Live on Netflix on a Monday Night Raw in the Scotiabank in Toronto, The Phenomenal AJ Styles VS CM Punk for THE WWE World Heavyweight Championship! Sounds like we’ve got a main event! They shake on it, and hopefully Adam Pearce makes it official! Will this be Styles’ last chance to win the world title again? Will the Road to WrestleMania take a phenomenal detour? Or will the Best in the World still be C M Punk?

Six Woman Tag: Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Judgment Day!

La Primera has quite more than a bone to pick with Raquel Rodriguez, so she was NOT going to let her screw over Mami & The Genius in Montreal. Now, Vaquer joins forces with #RheYo against their common enemies, will the champions of Raw be rolling on the Road to WrestleMania? Or will Monday nights still belong to Judgment Day?

Raw returns as Vaquer makes her entrance, followed by Iyo, followed by Rhea. The trios sort out and Iyo starts with Roxie. The fans rally as the two storm up, and Roxie dodges to then SLAP Iyo! The fans boo, but Iyo runs up again. Roxie dodges, Iyo dodges, and Iyo handsprings through! Iyo then trips Roxie, keeps moving, and fakes Roxie out to SLAP her! The fans cheer Iyo for getting even. Raquel takes as swing, Iyo ducks to UPPERCUT, but Roxie CLOBBESR Iyo! Roxie WINDMILLS away, then she whips Iyo to the corner. Iyo hits buckles hard, and Roxie runs up to stomp a mudhole in! Tag to Liv, she also stomps a mudhole!

Raquel tags in, she drags Iyo up to throw those BIG back elbows! The ref counts, Raquel and Liv both shout, “OKAY!” Liv tags in, scoops Iyo, but Iyo slips free and shoves her away! Tag to Vaquer, then Iyo dodges Liv so Vaquer can DROPKICK! And LARIAT! Vaquer whips, Liv sunset flips, but Vaquer stays up to scrape Liv’s face! Then she drops the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Vaquer drags Liv up, reels her in, but Liv fights up and over! Liv shoves Vaquer, dodges, but Vaquer catches her for a wrench and snap suplex! Roxie shouts at Vaquer, but Vaquer DECKS her! And ROCKS Raquel, too! But Liv waistlocks!

Vaquer switches, Liv fires elbows, and Liv runs, only for Vaquer to reel her in! SAIDO! Vaquer has Liv, and the fans fire up as she puts on the headscissors! DEVIL’S- NO, Raquel KICKS Vaquer in the side! The fans boo but Raquel soaks up that heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Roxie steps on Vaquer to go up, up, and LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives and Roxie is furious, but she hurries to CLUB Vaquer. Roxie wrenches Vaquer, whips her to the corner, but Vaquer BOOTS back! Vaquer ELBOWS Liv, HEASBUTTS Raquel, then BOOTS Roxie! Vaquer crawls, the fans fire up, but Liv pops out from under the ring?! She YANKS Iyo down! And Roxie CLOBBERS Vaquer! Rhea is furious, but then Raquel runs in around the way to SHOVE Rhea into steel steps! Judgment Day high-fives, then Roxie drags Vaquer up to wrench and whip her into the corner.

Roxie UPPERCUTS, Raquel tags in, and she runs up, only for Vaquer to dodge! The splash almost wipes out Judgment Day! Liv tags in, but Vaquer catches her for a BACKBREAKER! Vaquer crawls, hot tags to Iyo and Roxie! SHOTEI after SHOTEI, then Iyo FLAPJACKS Roxie down! Raquel is in but Iyo SHOTGUNS her out! Iyo brings Roxie up to whip, but Roxie reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and avoids the shoulder to KICK Roxie! Iyo goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Iyo kips up! Toronto goes crazy for Iyo! Iyo runs in and SHINKANSEN! Then Iyo drags Roxie to the drop zone!

Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE MOON- NO, Iyo has to land out as Liv moves Roxie! Iyo hobbles but she wrenches Roxie through, BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER! Roxie scrambles, Liv gives her the skirt, it’s the same trick as Saturday! Roxie CLAWS Iyo’s eyes, hot tags Liv, and then Roxie runs to tilt-o-whirl and clinch! Liv runs up, CODE BREAKER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Roxie DIVES onto Vaquer while Liv covers Iyo, TWO!! Iyo survives and the fans fire up! Liv kicks Iyo to the ropes, but Iyo avoids ObLIVion! Liv hurries to anchor a foot, but Iyo BOOTS her away! Hot tag to Rhea! Rhea wrenches Liv to short arm LARIAT again and again!

Then Rhea ripcords to mule kick, scoop, and FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel runs in, but Rhea ducks, dodges, and HEADBUTTS! Then she hauls Liv up, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto Raquel! But Roxie SBOATS! Roxie runs, hops on, but Rhea hooks Roxie and flips her! BOOT, CRAVAT SMASH, and DISCUS LARIAT! SUPERKICK for Raquel! Rhea runs up, but Raquel puts her on the apron! Rhea ROCKS Raquel back, goes up, up, MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Mami as she has Liv to herself! Rhea blocks a kick, ROCKS Liv, then pump handles! RIP- NO, Liv slips free!

Rhea ELBOWS Liv away, runs up, but Liv BOOTS back! Liv goes up, up, and FLYING DDT! Cover, IYPO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up again, but here comes Roxie! Tilt-o-whirl for LA MYSTICA! But Vaquer serves up SOLE FOOD to Liv! Raquel BOOTS Vaquer! And deadlifts her right into the TE- NO, Vaquer slips free of the bomb, DUMPS Raquel out, then BOOTS her! Vaquer goes up, up, steadies herself, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Vaquer wipes Raquel out, and Rhea is up on her feet. OBLIVION- BLOCKED! But Roxie tags in! Roxie CHOP BLOCKS Rhea! Roxie runs to tilt-o-whirl, and they CODE- NO! Rhea stops the combo!

Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Liv! Then Rhea gut wrenches Roxie through, HEADBUTTS, and RIPTIDE!! Cover, the champions win!

Winners: Stephanie Vaquer, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky, by pinfall

Vaquer, Rhea & Iyo hug it out and hold up all their belts! Vaquer is hobbling a bit, though. Will taking risks leave Vaquer vulnerable come WrestleMania? Or will she and #RheYo always be on top?

Finn Balor finds CM Punk backstage.

“Hey, Punk! I’ve been thinking about everything that happened last week. I wanted to be champion. But things didn’t go to plan. And even though I didn’t win, you are still part of the most memorable night of my career. After the match, you picked me up and you give me my flowers. And with all the emotions flowing, I didn’t return ’em. So I will now. Thank you.” Punk thanks Finn, and says it takes two to tango. Punk isn’t the best in he world unless he beats the best in the world. And he considers Finn one of the greats. Punk doesn’t hand out title shots to those who “deserve” them but have earned them.

John Cena retired, AJ Styles is putting his career on the line, and Punk sees there aren’t a lot of guys like them left. So think about what your legacy should be, Finn. If he wants to be a world champion again, maybe it’s time to ditch Judgment Day. Cuz Finn can’t be champ hanging around garbage like Dominik Mysterio. If he wants another shot, Finn should win the Royal Rumble. And if he does, Punk will see Finn in Las Vegas. Punk heads out to prepare for the main event, will The Prince take those words to heart?

The Vision heads to the ring!

Paul Heyman accompanies Austin Theory, Logan Paul, Bronson Breakker, and the returning Bron Breakker out here, and they’re all here to meet with Adam Pearce and discuss Bron’s suspension. Will The Vision be on their best behavior? We find out after the break.

Raw returns and Heyman has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen… You’re booing and I haven’t even said anything yet. We’ll try it again. In three, two, one. Ladies-” The fans boo louder! Heyman sighs and powers through his usual introductions, and says The Vision is here to up the star power of Raw on Netflix! To wit, in this second-class city of Toronto…” The fans boo more, but Heyman says if they doing that, this will just go all night long. But Heyman brought the hottest prospect of 2026, 2027, and 2028, “The Pressure,” Austin Theory! Heyman brought the master of the Tsunami, with victory after victory over Roman Reigns, BIG Bronson Reed!

Heyman brought along with him the single most famous personality on the face of the planet today, The Maverick, Logan Paul! The fans really boo hard now. And Heyman brought along the reason why we’re all here tonight, sold out on Monday Night Raw… Ladies and gentlemen, Bron… Breakker! The fans boo and bark, and Heyman says Bron is here for a face-to-face meeting with Raw General Manager, Adam Pearce. Now, Heyman thanked Pearce for this offer, but before Pearce comes out, let’s examine why this meeting was necessary. Example one: two weeks ago, Bron doing what he does best, and Pearce puts his hand on Bron Breakker first!

That, ladies and gentlemen, is conduct unbecoming an executive in the WWE! Watch Unreal all you want, there is NO excuse for that! That doesn’t belong as the behavior of the GM of the flagship show! And even people in CANADA know that! Now, example two: Last week, Pearce takes the brass knuckles from Logan to put them on the apron, setting Rey Mysterio up to use them himself! Rey goes from being a deadbeat dad to being a felonious father! The Vision lost because of Adam Pearce. And now, with the table set, thank you for the invitation. Mr. Pearce, at your leisure, they welcome your presence.

Adam Pearce walks out and the fans cheer but Logan gives thumbs down. Heyman says please give the middle finger and boo Adam Pearce. They boo Heyman more than they boo Pearce, but Pearce still joins The Vision in the ring. Pearce says he is not out here to make excuses, or to apologize for wearing his heart on his sleeve, but even he can see that things got out of hand. Pearce is man enough to admit in front of the world that things got out of hand because he put his hands on Bron first. And for that, Pearce apologizes. And Pearce pledges to all of us that it will not happen again. Bron smirks and Heyman says-

Pearce interrupts and says he knows Heyman wants Pearce to lift the suspension and put Bron in the Rumble. Both things are done, it is official, Bron gets to be in the Rumble, welcome back. What else would Heyman like? To stop interrupting him. But okay, good deal. Heyman offers a handshake, Pearce is wary of it, and Pearce says Heyman is such a tremendous negotiator, Pearce has never been more impressed. In fact, let’s go a step further. Logan, Bronson, and Austin also get in the Rumble, congratulations. And for that matter, if not for brass knuckles, Theory might’ve won last week. So tell him if he’s wrong, but Pearce feels Theory needs redemption.

Theory needs redemption against a hall of famer. So tonight, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, it will be Austin Theory VS Rey Mysterio! The fans cheer that! And here comes the King of Lucha, accompanied by Dragon Lee y Penta! The fans cheer again, but will Theory really have his redemption for last week? Or will it be about 619 in The North?

Rey Mysterio w/ Dragon Lee & PENTA VS Austin Theory w/ The Vision!

Raw returns and the match is already going. Theory wrenches but Rey KICKS, KICKS, and then flips using the ropes. Rey ROCKS Theory, then springboards to RANA! Rey runs, but Theory CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Theory HAMMERS away on Rey, then huffs ‘n’ puffs and soaks up heat. Theory whips Rey, Rey slides under, then Rey DROPKICKS the legs out! Rey KICKS the leg, whips, but Theory blocks and reverses! Rey tilt-o-whirls, but Theory blocks it for a LUNG BLOWER! Rey sputters but Theory clamps on with a chinlock. The fans rally for “6 1 9!” as Rey fights up. Rey fires body shots, but Theory THROWS Rey down by his mask!

Theory clamps onto Rey, grinds him down, and he taunts Penta. Penta talks smack back while the fans rally, and Rey fights to his feet. Theory KNEES low, talks more trash, then CLAWS eyes! The ref reprimands, but Theory punches Rey outta the headlock! Theory clamps onto Rey again, CLAWS the eyes again, then fires another punch! The ref reprimands but Theory just headlocks again. Theory wants to take the mask off! The fans boo but Rey kicks Theory’s leg! Rey then dodges to mule kick! Rey runs, and he BOOTS Theory onto ropes! The fans cheer and Rey dials it up! But Theory dodges the 619, only for Rey to go to the apron!

Rey jumps, but Theory stops the seated senton! Rey throws hands, then RANAS Theory into the POST! The Vision checks on Theory, but Penta & Dragon go after them, too! The fans rally, the ref argues with all four of them, but where’s Rey? He LEAPS OVER TEH CAMERA! Down goes Theory, and Rey SMACKS Logan on the back of the head! Rey rolls into the ring, and with Dragon & Penta joining in, Rey tells The Vision to “SUCK IT!” The fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Theory hays Rey in the corner. Theory scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Rey flounders, Heyman talks some trash, and the fans boo. Theory runs up, but Rey dodges! Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges to then flip and RANA! Theory flounders to a corner, Rey fires forearms, then Rey climbs up. Rey rains down fists and the fans count along, only for Theory to stop it at 6! Theory fireman’s carries, Rey slips free and springboards, but into a FOREARM! Theory then hooks Rey up, ATAXIA! Cover, TWO! Rey survives but The Vision says Theory is close! Theory snarls, waistlocks, and he drags Rey up to put him in the corner.

Theory hoists Rey up top, taunts Toronto, then climbs up. But Rey ELBOWS Theory away! Theory comes back, Electric Chair Lifts, but Rey throws hands! Rey RANAS Theory out, but Theory holds on! And he spins Rey, but Rey RANAS Theory into the apron! Rey hurries to put Theory in the ring, and Dragon checks on Rey. But Logan CLOBBERS Dragon! Penta USUPERKICKS Logan! Bronson runs up, Dragon SUPERKICKS Bronson! then they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Dragon & Penta go to the apron. Dragon CROSSBODIES, but Bronson catches him! Bronson THROWS Dragon into barriers!

Penta SUPERKICKS Bronson again, btu then Logan YANKS Penta down! Rey WRECKS Logan! Buty Theory CURB STMOPS Rey!! Theory covers, Theory wins!!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

Brass knuckles last week aside, the numbers game is the only reason Theory won tonight! And then Bron CLOBBERS Penta! Bron and Dragon brawl, but ONE LUCKY RIGHT from Logan takes Dragon down! Bronson stomps Penta while Logan feeds Dragon to the SPEAR from Bron! The fans boo but Logan then goes up so he can PAUL FROM GRACE! And then Penta is fed to a SPEAR, too! But now Bronson goes up! TSUNAMI for Penta!! Then they set Rey up and they make him watch as Bron builds up speed! SUPER SPEAR for Penta!! The fans boo, but it seems The Vision can now do whatever they want! Will they be unstoppable now that all four of them are in the Rumble?

Natalya speaks.

“Maxxine. I made you. And you failed. But you didn’t fail you. You failed me. You’re just like the rest of them. You think because you’ve rolled with a legend that you can roll like a legend. But that will never happen again. This is a whole new me. And when I’m done with you, Maxxine, I’m coming for it all. Because Natalya elevates, but Nattie decimates.” Is the Queen of Harts going to turn Raw into her own personal dungeon?

Raquel Rodriguez storms around backstage.

La Ruda shouts for La Primera! She wants her NOW! But Bayley shouts back, “HEY, IDIOT! I’m on the phone! Would you shut up? Pearce’s office is that way, okay?” Lyra Valkyria steps in and asks if there’s a problem here. Raquel says they’re both lucky she has other business to deal with. Raquel shouts for Pearce, but Vaquer finds her first! They brawl, Vaquer fires off HEADBUTTS, then CLUBS away! Producers rush in before this gets crazier! The two are separated, but we know this won’t end until Raquel and Vaquer have it out! When and where will they battle for THE WWE Women’s World Championship?

Sit-down interview with GUNTHER.

Michael Cole sits down with Der Ring General and thanks him for this time. Saturday, the Royal Rumble, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gunther takes on AJ Styles. Gunther says yes, a big night. But something that’s been bugging Cole all week is… Why not just have a rematch? Why back Styles into a corner by putting his title on the line? Gunther says if that bugs you, you don’t understand. What is there for Gunther to gain just beating Styles again? Now, Gunther has a lot to gain. Gunther has something phenomenal to gain. Gunther can now beat Styles for his career.

Cole says Styles made it clear in 2025 that 2026 would be his final year. Styles wanted to entertain the fans through out the year, take on some of his greatest rivals, like he did in Montreal against Shinsuke Nakamura. Why rob the fans of these moments? Gunther says wouldn’t that be great? It is simple as that. Gunther is sick and tired of these “old timers” overstaying their welcomes, chasing moment after moment. Those moments now belong to Gunther. Bill Goldberg was chasing another moment, and Gunther took it away. John Cena was chasing moment after moment for a full year. But what will we talk about now? When John Cena gave up to Gunther in his very last match.

And as for AJ Styles, Gunther says he must’ve had a beautiful idea of a great, long year full of exciting moments, an emotional retirement tour if you will. But Gunther is not interested in Styles taking the moment away that belongs to Gunther. Gunther says speaking of old timers… Hasn’t Cole been getting on in years? How long does Cole plan on sticking around to chase moments? Funny thing is, Gunther could kick that chair over and end Cole’s career right now. But don’t worry, because on Saturday, Gunther wants Cole to be there at the Royal Rumble to call that match. And Gunther wants to hear Cole say that the career of the Phenomenal AJ Styles is over.

Gunther laughs like the villain he is, and says it will be memorable. But will Der Ring General be the one shocked when Styles finds the will to win at the Royal Rumble?

Jey Uso is in the concourse.

Toronto fires up for Main Event Jey as he asks they please, please, hit his music! UH UH, YEET! The fans fire up and bounce along as this is now YEETRONTO! But with that, Jey is going to ringside because he wants to watch this big time tag match. Who will challenge the Usos for the WWE World Tag Team Championships? We find out, after the break.

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

The Raw GM is outside his office as he finishes a call with someone. He assures them he has it all under control, thank you. But then Finn walks over. Finn says he’s coming to Pearce to officially declare for the Rumble. Pearce asks, “Now? Less than a week away?” All due respect, Finn, you had your title match last week, spots had to be filled, and… There’s already 30. What?! Pearce, you know, Finn knows, and the fans know that no Rumble is full without Finn Balor. Pearce says all he can do is apologize. Finn says this ain’t over. Finn grumbles and storms down the hall, and Liv is there!

Liv asks Finn what’s going on with him and CM Punk. Did Finn really think that was Punk showing him respect last week? He showed you up in your own home country then paraded him around like a participation trophy, and you praised him for it! And Liv heard that part about Punk telling Finn to leave Judgment Day. You don’t really think Punk wants Finn to be world champion, does he? Because he doesn’t! The ones who do are The Judgment Day, because they are his family! Finn tells Liv that this ain’t as straightforward as it seems, okay? So let him figure it out. Finn leaves, but is the Judgment Day back to being dysfunctional?

WWE World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS Otis & Akira Tozawa VS The Creed Brothers VS Los Americanos!

Raw returns as Bravo y Rayo Americano join Julius & Brutus Creed in the ring. Next out are the Alpha Academy, leaving Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston for last. The teams sort out, and in this Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are legal at any time. Kofi steps up against Bravo and the bell rings. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Bravo waistlocks. Bravo spins Kofi, wrenches an arm, then whips Kofi to the Americano corner. Bravo runs in, MONKEY FLIPS, but Kofi lands out! The fans fire up for Kofi on that one, and he runs up. MONKEY FLIP, but Bravo rolls through! Bravo takes a bow and the fans cheer. Woods shouts at Bravo, and Kofi CLOBBERS him!

The fans are torn as Kofi taunts Bravo, and he also argues with Rayo., But that lets Bravo CLOBBER Kofi! Bravo tags Rayo, they double whip to DOUBLE HEADBUTT! They pose and the fans are torn. Tozawa tags in off Kofi to go up, up, and LEAP to FLYING RANA Rayo! Rayo tags Julius while Akira TOSSES Bravo. Tozawa builds speed but Julius LARIATS him inside-out! Brutus CLOBBERS New Day, then he and Julius ire up. Los Americanos run in but they get DOUBLE BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Brutus then sets up for Julius to use as a step, AMERICAN POETRY IN MOTION on Otis! Then Brutus goes up, BRUTUS BALL onto Los Americanos AND Alpha Academy!

The fans are torn but Brutus & Julius are all fired up. They then double whip Otis into steel steps! American Made is fired up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Woods has Tozawa down with a chinlock. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Tozawa fights up, fights free, but Woods mule kicks! Tag to Kofi, they whip Tozawa to the corner then wheelbarrow, FAMOUSER FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, Rayo breaks it! The fans rally but Kofi TOSSES Rayo out. Kofi stomps Tozawa, tags Woods, and they combine for the ELECTRIC CHAIR MOONSAULT onto knees! Tozawa BOOTS Woods away, Rayo tags in, and Rayo stomps Tozawa down. Rayo stomps away while the fans are torn. Rayo soaks up cheers and jeers while he struts, then he drags Tozawa up.

Tag to Bravo, Los Americanos double whip Tozawa to the corner. Bravo is sent in, but Tozawa puts him in the Tree of Woe! Then he RANAS Rayo into Bravo! Tozawa crawls, but Julius runs in and BLASTS Otis! Then he runs up on Tozawa, but Tozawa dodges! Tozawa BOOTS Brutus, Bravo torture racks the big boy for an AIRPLANE SPIN! Tozawa MISSILE DROPKICKS it all apart! The fans fire up and Otis rises! Tozawa crawls, hot tag to The Dozer! Otis CLOBBERS Julius, CLOBBERS Woods, CLOBBERS Kofi, CLOBBERS Rayo, and then BACKDROPS Julius! And BACKDROPS Bravo! And then SPLASHES Julius in a corner!

Otis SHOVES Woods into Bravo, and DOUBLE SPLASHES! Woods falls, Bravo falls into Woods’ dragon balls! Otis rips his shirt off to get the CATERPILLAR ELBOW on Julius! Cover, EVERYONE breaks it up! Kofi< Brutus & Rayo all stomp away, but Tozawa fires off on all of them! The fans fire up as The Stamina Monster just keeps throwing shots! Tozawa runs, but into a DOUBLE- DDT!! Tozawa then SOBATS, spins, slides under, and GERMAN SUPLEXES Rayo! The fans fire up as Tozawa builds speed, and he DIVES onto New Day! then he DIVES onto Los Americanos! Then he DIVES onto The Creeds!

Tozawa rips off the shirt and the fans fire up again! Tozawa avoids Trouble in Paradise to steal TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Tozawa then goes up, up, but Woods distracts! That lets Grayson Waller trip Tozawa up! Even Ivy Nile dislikes that! The ref notices something is up, but then Otis BLASTS Waller for it! Jey SUPERKICKS Waller over the barriers! The New Day is furious, but the WRECKER ELBOW finds Kofi! The LARIAT finds Woods! But Los Americanos DOUBLE DROPKICK! Then they run up on Brutus! Brutus DUMPS them both out! Julius uses Brutus for a launching pad, but Otis blocks it  this time!

Otis SLAMS Julius onto Brutus, then he tags Tozawa! Tozawa is awake, and he goes up the corner! TOKYO TOWER SENTON!! Cover, ALPHA ACADEMY WINS!

Winners: Otis & Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE World Tag Team Championships)

Jey Uso is a bit torn. He and Jimmy really like these guys, but they’ve been hesitant about putting them in #lockdown. Will there be respect even in the Uso Penitentiary?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Jackie Redmond is with the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and congratulates her on that title defense last week. Becky says yes, a monumental victory. Not that Jackie would know that, being a Maple Leafs fan. But yes, everyone loved it, even though there was controversy. Not on Becky’s end, but how Natalya went a little crazy. But Becky gets it, she’d be just as upset if she trained someone for nothing. Just like Mid Maxxine, it happened with “Loser Lyra.” Lyra betrayed Becky. But anyway, Nattie… She’s implying she’s after this title? That only happens if she wins the Royal Rumble, but hahahaha, bad news, Becky will be ENTERING the Rumble, so-

Kairi Sane walks in saying, “Ahoy, Becky.” A-huh? Kairi says Becky will NOT win the Rumble, because no one is ready for Asuka! Becky says she’s been ready for Asuka, she’s beaten Asuka many times. In fact, they would’ve won WarGames together, if not for Kairi & Asuka losing it for the team. Tell her that. Kairi starts in Japanese, but then speaks English anyway. Asuka says she heard all that! Dummy! Asuka tells Becky, “See you in the Royal Rumble.” Asuka leaves, Kairi looks longingly at the Women’s IC title, but then Asuka shouts for Kairi. Kairi follows, will either of the Kabuki Warriors win the Rumble match? Or will WrestleMania once again be about The Man?

Je’Von Evans finds AJ Styles backstage.

The Young OG tells the Phenomenal One that he knows Styles has the title match tonight and the career match on Saturday, but… Evans hopes to see Styles on that farewell tour. Styles says bet. Bet? They shake hands, and Styles explains “bet” means yes, let’s do it. Evans says yeah, he knew that, he’s just surprised… Well, anyway, good luck tonight. Evans heads out, will Styles bring that world title with him to Saudi Arabia? Or will this really be his last chance at reaching the mountaintop?

Stephanie Vaquer finds Pearce backstage.

He already knows what she’s after. Vaquer says Raquel wants the Women’s World Championship, Vaquer wants after Raquel, but she doesn’t want just any match. She wants a fight! Oh, a fight? Well, she came to a right spot. Next week, Monday Night Raw, Vaquer VS Rodriguez, the Women’s World Championship, in a Philadelphia Street Fight! Vaquer says that’s perfect! La Primera or La Ruda, who will prove they are THE alpha female on Raw?

The Vision regroups in the private suite.

Bronson Reed says they’re in quite the situation. All four of them are in the Royal Rumble, so what’s the plan? Logan says they all got in, right? So they should all go in there with one goal. One vision, if you will. A vision that can extend al the way to WrestleMania. Cuz they have the advantage, boys. First off, no one can stop them, they are a unit. A well-oiled machines, a machine of machines! And Logan thinks that since they have that advantage, they should take an opportunity to make sure that one of them leaves as the winner. And Logan thinks that the winner should be… Bron Breakker. Bronson agrees to that. Theory does, too.

Logan says see, gentlemen? That is the vision. Heyman pats Bron on the shoulder, and Bron seems rather surprised and humbled by this group decision. Will it truly be all for one and one for all as these four fight to control the future of the WWE?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk VS AJ Styles!

The Second City Saint promised to be a fighting champion, and he is doing just that! He overcame The Prince, but can he be better than the Phenomenal One? Or will Styles prove that he is the Best in the World?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and win, lose, or draw, it’s time for a phenomenal main event!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two stare down. Punk and Styles slowly circle, tie up, and Styles powers Punk back. Styles wrenches, wristlocks, and puts on the pressure. Punk wrenches back, YANKS the arm, then hammerlocks. Styles switches that onto Punk, but Punk fights around to waistlock. The fans duel, Styles pries the waistlock open, and he wrenches to wristlock again. Punk rolls, trips Styles, covers, ONE! The two back off and the fans cheer. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Styles reels Punk into a headlock, Punk powers up and out, but Styles KICKS Punk away!

Styles runs, Punk fireman’s carries! GO- NO, Styles lands out and wants the leg! Roll and- NO, Punk slips free! ANACONDA- NO, Styles ghost pins, TWO! Punk and Styles back off again and the fans cheer. Styles and Punk reset again, tie up, and Punk headlocks. Styles endures the grind while the fans duel again. Styles powers up, powers out, and hurdles to then drop down, only for Punk to ELBOW DROP! And ELBOW DROP again! Punk CHOPS Styles on the back, then KICKS him in the front! Punk runs to KNEE DROP! Cover, ONE! Punk clamps on with a chinlock but Styles endures while the fans rally again.

Styles fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS Punk! Styles runs, but Punk LARIATS him down! Punk shakes out that arm while the fans rally again. Punk stands Styles up, atomic drop and run, but Styles DROPKICKS Punk down! Punk bails out but Styles takes aim! PLANCHA fake as Punk moves aside. Styles SLIDING KNEES Punk down! The fans fire up for styles while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again, and Styles headlocks Punk. Punk fires body shots, but Styles CLUBS Punk. Styles whips Punk to the corner, runs in, and LARIATS! Punk sputters but Styles stands him back up. Punk ROCKS and CHOPS Styles, but Styles ROCKS and whips Punk. Punk reverses and Styles hits buckles hard! Styles falls back but Punk catches his own breath while the fans duel. Punk goes to the corner, Styles stands and storms his way over, and fans dule again as Punk DECKS Styles! Punk whips and DROPKICKS Styles, then he wrenches to the SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The fans rally as Punk hurries to run in and SHINING WIZARD! Then BULLDOG!

The fans cheer the classic combo and Punk says night-night! But wait, Styles is already up, so Punk SHINING WIZARDS again! Cover, TWO! Punk brings Styles up now, fireman’s carries, but Styles fights free! Styles fires the Phenomenal Blitz! The LARIAT connects and the fans fire up! Styles runs to SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Punk and Styles go to corners. Styles runs in and LARIATS again! Styles fireman’s carries but Punk slips free! Hammerlock and PEPSI TWIST! Cover, TWO! Styles survives but Punk shakes it off. Punk rains down fists, then he drags Styles up. The fans duel as Punk CLUBS Styles on the back.

Punk fireman’s carries, GO TO- NO, Styles blocks to fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Punk survives but Styles stays cool. “This is Awesome!” as Styles brings Punk back up. Styles puts Punk on the top rope, but Punk fires hands! They brawl, Styles ROCKS Punk, then Styles goes up the corner. Styles brings Punk up, but Punk fights off the suplex! The fans rally and Punk SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Styles down! The fans are torn as Punk takes aim, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Styles survives but Punk has his arm! ANACONDA VICE!! Styles endures, reaches out, pushes at Punk’s face, and the fans rally even harder!

Styles pushes Punk into a headscissors! Punk rolls to jackknife bridge, TWO as Styles bridges! Styles manages to turn Punk around, but Punk RAMS him into the corner! Punk RAMS Styles again, and again! The ref counts but Punk RAMS Styles again before he lets off. But Styles has the leg! Roll and- NO, Punk pops free, SHINING- POWERBOMB! And then a deadlift, but Punk grabs the ropes! Styles KICKS Punk before letting him down! Styles then drags Punk up just to DECK him! Punk flops to the apron then the floor while Styles steps outside. The dueling continues as Styles SLIDING- NO, Punk catches him to a fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!!

Styles flops down on the floor and the fans fire up! The ring count climbs, Punk drags Styles up, but we’re at 5 of 10! Then 7! Punk rolls into the ring to let the count handle this, but Styles jumps in at 9.9! The fans cheer and Punk can’t believe Styles made it! “This is Awesome!” as Punk hobbles over to drag Styles back up. Styles is a ragdoll but he’s still reaching out. Punk drags Styles in but he’s still deadweight. Punk tries a third time, but Styles snatches him to a roll up! TWO, and a deadlift into position! STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Punk survives and no one can believe it! Styles is too tired to be frustrated, and he just stands back up.

The fans continue to rally and duel as Styles goes to the apron. Springboard and PHENOMENAL- NO, Punk trips him up! Styles flops to the mat and Punk rests against the ropes. Punk throws hands, but Styles hits back! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, then Punk Mongolian Chops! Styles KICKS, Punk fires a forearm, then a flurry! Styles fires a flurry in return! Punk drops to a knee, and Styles KICKS him! Punk CHOPS, ROCKS, and fires a flurry of forearms, only for Styles to PELE! The fans fire up while both men are down again! “This is Awesome!” as Styles rises and lifts Punk, but Punk fights the lift!

Punk fireman’s carries Styles again! But his legs give out! Styles hauls Punk back up for a lift, but Punk fights it! Fireman’s carry, but Styles has the ropes! Styles flails, but FINN BALOR DROPKICKS THEM BOTH!!

Winner: CM Punk, by disqualification (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

The fans boo as The Prince ruins this instant classic, all out of petty selfishness! Finn stomps away on Punk, then drags him up to TOSS him out! Finn snarls, goes out the side, and he lines up the shot. Finn runs in, and he SHOTGUNS Punk into the barriers! The barriers start to fall apart, but Finn isn’t satisfied! He SHOTGUNS Punk into the barriers again! And he puts Punk in the ring, goes up the corner, and COUP DE GRACE!! But that’s still not enough! Finn mocks the night-night and goes back up, COUP DE GRACE to Punk’s back! Finn then drags Punk back into place, goes up again, as THIRD COUP DE GRACE!!

Toronto boos but Finn tells Punk that now he has his flowers. But what does Finn expect to come of this? Will CM Punk really give Finn another shot after this?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw, especially as the go-home to the Royal Rumble. The in-ring meeting between Pearce and The Vision went about how I expected with Pearce lifting the suspension and letting Bron enter the Rumble. Pearce automatically putting the other members of The Vision in was a bit of a surprise, but it was a clever attempt on his part to divide The Vision since (technically) only one person can win the Rumble and call their shot. But after a really good match from Rey VS Theory, we also got a good follow-up promo where Logan of all people suggested Bron be their priority. These four working together in the Rumble will be good stuff, and I wouldn’t be surprised if other superstars banded together to counter that throughout the match.

Also, seems Rey is unfortunately hurt or at least hurting after that match. When Dragon checked on him, that seemed like a legit check. Not to be mean to Rey cuz he can still go in terms of energy and athleticism, but that doesn’t mean his age hasn’t affected his physical durability. Hopefully they just fast-track Dom and Rey having their final feud before Rey’s retirement. Great Six Woman Tag to push the Vaquer-Rodriguez feud. They also had a good brawl backstage, and now setting up a Street Fight next week, that’s gonna be wild. Though, that also gives an opening for Liv & Roxie to help Raquel, possibly Rhea & Iyo to counter, who knows how things go.

Great Fatal 4 Way Tag, but I had a good feeling Otis & Tozawa would win out given that promo from a couple weeks ago. Jey & Jimmy VS Otis & Tozawa will be really good stuff, and I would think The Usos win. The real question is, will Otis & Tozawa push The Usos to a point where The Usos gotta be merciless and really deal out the damage. Natalya’s promo was good on delivery, but it was the typical Heel nonsense of, “You’re not better than me, you don’t deserve the title before me.” And if Nattie was also calling out Becky with this, why turn her Heel? At least, turn her Heel the way they did. If Nattie turned on Maxxine because Maxxine lost on her own, fine. Don’t give us this crap of Nattie thinking Maxxine sucked just for getting cheated.

Becky had a great promo to respond to Nattie, but also a great interaction with Kairi & Asuka. While I don’t see Becky, Asuka, or Kairi winning the Women’s Rumble, I think this should lead to Asuka and/or Kairi going for the IC title. And then great stuff with the World Heavyweight Championship, as well as AJ Styles and his looming retirement match. It seems they pulled an audible I was not aware of, as Styles VS Finn was advertised but they clearly gave us Styles VS Punk instead. But that didn’t take away from how we got a good opening promo from Styles and Punk and a great main event from them.

Gunther had a good interview promo with Cole, and that’s some heat to threaten Cole’s career. Finn also had a great part to play, and him “ruining” the main event was the best way to keep the status quo here. Styles can’t go into his match with Gunther making it Title VS Career, Gunther would get too much too soon. But then Styles can’t lose tonight because he at least needs to have some kind of momentum going into that match. Again, if it were me, Styles would win in Rumble to force a tiebreaker with Gunther, but this is still Styles’ decision, so maybe he’s okay with retiring at the same PPV/PLE that he debuted in WWE.

My Score: 8.8/10