WWE RAW Toronto Episode Sets Stage for Royal Rumble with Dream Main Event
The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada hosted an electrifying episode of WWE RAW on January 26, serving as the final broadcast before the highly anticipated Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The night was packed with significant developments, surprise returns, and a headline-making dream match that captivated the WWE Universe.
Opening Segment Sets the Tone for Championship Aspirations
AJ Styles kicked off the show by addressing his upcoming clash with Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026, firmly stating his intention to continue competing and emerge victorious. This declaration prompted World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk to make his entrance, expressing admiration for Styles. In a moment that sent shockwaves through the arena, Punk proposed a dream match for his title, leading to a handshake agreement that made the bout official for later in the evening.
Explosive Six-Woman Tag Team Showdown
The action continued with a fast-paced six-woman tag team match featuring Judgment Day's Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez taking on the formidable trio of Rhea Ripley, IYO Sky, and Stephanie Vaquer. The match showcased intense athleticism and strategic teamwork, culminating in Ripley delivering a devastating headbutt followed by her signature Riptide maneuver on Perez to secure the victory for her team.
Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory: Experience Meets Ambition
Veteran superstar Rey Mysterio, accompanied by Penta and Dragon Lee, faced the ambitious Austin Theory, who had his faction The Vision backing him. Theory displayed impressive skill against the seasoned competitor, but the match descended into chaos when both sides engaged in a ringside brawl. Seizing the opportunity, Theory executed his Mayhem finisher on the floor to claim the win. Post-match, The Vision continued their assault on Mysterio and his allies, standing tall as a dominant force.
Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Contender's Match
A high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match determined the next challengers for the WWE World Tag Team Championships. The teams competing were Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, Otis and Akira Tozawa, Julius Creed and Brutus Creed, and Los Americanos. The bout was a masterclass in tag team wrestling, featuring coordinated moves and dramatic near-falls. Ultimately, Tozawa secured the victory for his team by hitting a back senton on Julius Creed, making Otis and Tozawa the new number one contenders.
Dream Main Event Marred by Interference
The main event lived up to its billing as a dream match between CM Punk and AJ Styles for the World Heavyweight Championship. Both superstars delivered a performance that exceeded expectations, thrilling the Toronto crowd with a back-and-forth contest that had fans on their feet. However, the epic showdown was disrupted when Finn Balor interfered, causing Punk to win by disqualification. The show concluded with Balor brutally attacking Punk, leaving The Best in the World laid out in the ring and setting the stage for future confrontations.
This episode of WWE RAW successfully built momentum for Royal Rumble 2026, blending championship aspirations, faction rivalries, and unforgettable in-ring action that left the WWE Universe eagerly anticipating the upcoming premium live event.
