The new year for WWE kicks off with a spectacular and themed episode of Monday Night RAW, promising a night of high-octane action and surprises. The first RAW of 2026 is set to emanate from the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will be presented in a unique collaboration with the global phenomenon, 'Stranger Things'. This special theme night is advertised to feature three blockbuster championship matches and a roster of top superstars including CM Punk, Bron Breakker, Rhea Ripley, and Jey Uso.
Blockbuster Match Card and Key Storylines
The episode is stacked with significant bouts that will shape the landscape of WWE in the coming year. The main event will see CM Punk defend the World Heavyweight Championship against the rising force, Bron Breakker. Backed by Paul Heyman and his Vision cohorts, Breakker steps into the biggest match of his career, aiming to dethrone the veteran Punk and cement himself as a main-event star.
In the women's division, two major title fights are scheduled. Maxxine Dupri will put her newly won WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship on the line against Becky Lynch, the very superstar she defeated to claim the gold. Lynch, seething since her loss, is determined to reclaim her title, threatening to turn Dupri's celebratory new year into a nightmare.
Furthermore, the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) will defend their Women's Tag Team titles against the formidable duo of Rhea Ripley and IYO Sky. This challenge comes after Ripley and Sky scored a pivotal pinfall over Kairi Sane in a tag match on SmackDown, giving them strong momentum heading into this championship opportunity.
Notable Returns and Singles Showdowns
A major highlight of the night will be the return to singles competition for Liv Morgan. After making a surprise comeback at the 2025 Survivor Series following a lengthy injury layoff, Morgan will have her first televised singles match against Lyra Valkyria. This contest marks a crucial step in Morgan's journey back to the top of the women's division.
How and When to Watch WWE RAW in India
For fans in India, the broadcasting details for this special episode are clear. WWE Monday Night RAW will air live on Netflix at 6:30 AM IST on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The show's global timings see it airing in the United States at 8 PM ET on Monday on Netflix, and in the UK at 1 AM BST on Tuesday.
This premiere episode sets a thrilling tone for WWE's 2026, blending pop-culture spectacle with top-tier in-ring competition. With championship gold on the line and storied rivalries reaching boiling points, the first RAW of the year is an unmissable event for wrestling fans worldwide.
