The highly anticipated go-home edition of WWE Monday Night RAW for the Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live Event delivered an electrifying night of action, but it transformed into a concerning scenario for two of the brand's top superstars. The episode, which was meant to build momentum for the upcoming extravaganza, instead highlighted potential setbacks involving WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and the current WWE Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer during their respective in-ring confrontations.
Injury Scares Cast Shadow Over RAW Excitement
Rey Mysterio, the legendary Master of the 619, was scheduled to compete in a singles match against Austin Theory, a prominent member of The Vision faction. During a critical spot in the match, Mysterio appeared to sustain a legitimate injury, visibly favoring his shoulder. The situation escalated when the referee made the distinctive X signal, a clear indication of a real medical emergency within the wrestling world.
Following the match, The Vision launched a post-match beatdown, but Mysterio remained on the apron as medical personnel urgently examined him. He was eventually assisted to the backstage area by the medical team, raising immediate concerns about his condition. A follow-up report by respected wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez of FWOnline confirmed that the injury was indeed legitimate, adding to the anxiety among fans and the WWE Universe.
Women's Champion Faces Potential Setback
In a separate incident, WWE Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer seemed to encounter her own physical issue during a scheduled six-woman tag team match on RAW. As she engaged in a heated brawl with Raquel Rodriguez in the backstage area, observers noted visible discomfort in Vaquer's walking pattern, strongly hinting at a possible ankle tweak or injury.
Both Mysterio and Vaquer were prominently advertised for participation in the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, making these injury scares particularly significant. The wrestling community now awaits official updates regarding their status and whether these developments will impact their planned appearances at one of WWE's most anticipated annual spectacles.
Dream Match Between AJ Styles and CM Punk Becomes RAW Highlight
Despite the unfortunate injury developments, this week's edition of RAW featured a monumental highlight that captivated audiences worldwide. The main event presented a dream match for the ages: the first-ever major collision between AJ Styles and CM Punk for the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship.
With Styles having previously put his career on the line against Gunther at the upcoming Royal Rumble, Punk made the strategic decision to challenge for the title on RAW itself. The match evolved into a spectacular showdown, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout its duration with technical mastery, dramatic near-falls, and intense storytelling.
Interference Alters Dream Match Outcome
However, the highly anticipated contest did not reach a conclusive finish. Finn Balor unexpectedly ran interference, disrupting the flow and leading to CM Punk winning the match by disqualification. Balor then launched a vicious beatdown on Punk, potentially motivated by frustrations stemming from his loss to The Best in the World in their title match the previous week.
With The PrinXe making such a significant statement on the RAW episode immediately preceding the Royal Rumble, speculation is mounting about whether he could secure another title opportunity against CM Punk in the near future. This development adds another intriguing layer to the ongoing narratives as WWE approaches one of its flagship events.
The 2026 Royal Rumble go-home edition of RAW ultimately presented a complex tapestry of emotions for wrestling enthusiasts. While injury concerns for established stars created genuine worry, the historic dream match between AJ Styles and CM Punk provided unforgettable entertainment, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of sports entertainment at its highest level.
