WWE Raw Recap & Reactions (Jan 19, 2026): Punk Dominates
On January 19, 2026, WWE Raw made history by broadcasting live from Belfast, Northern Ireland. This marked the first time the World Heavyweight Championship was defended in the country, with CM Punk facing Finn Bálor in a much-anticipated match.
Key Match Highlights
CM Punk, fresh off a victory over Bron Breakker two weeks prior, squared off against Bálor in a match that fans had long awaited. The encounter was not just significant due to its location, but also because it was the inaugural singles match between these two stellar wrestlers.
Building the Feud
A week before this event, tension between Punk and Bálor escalated. Punk had called out Bálor during an in-ring promo, criticizing his reliance on the Judgment Day faction. This confrontation set the tone for their matchup, eagerly anticipated by wrestling fans.
Entrance and Crowd Reaction
The SSE Arena in Belfast saw Bálor enter with his original WWE theme music, which resonated well with the audience. Punk, on the other hand, was greeted with his entrance theme, “Cult of Personality.” Despite Punk’s fame, the majority of fans rallied behind Bálor, creating an electric atmosphere.
Match Progression
- Punk took early control, showcasing his signature moves, including a notable suicide dive.
- Bálor displayed resilience, kicking out of Punk’s Go To Sleep finisher.
- He executed a Coup de Grâce, igniting excitement in the crowd, but Punk managed to recover.
- Ultimately, another Go To Sleep secured Punk’s victory.
After the match, Punk showed sportsmanship by helping Bálor to his feet and raising his hand in respect, despite Bálor’s evident disappointment.
AJ Styles vs. GUNTHER: A High-Stakes Matchup
In another significant storyline, AJ Styles faced off against GUNTHER, agreeing to put his career on the line in their upcoming Royal Rumble rematch. The tension between the two heightened following their previous encounters, promising an intense showdown.
Women’s Championship and Other Matches
The women’s division also featured prominently, with Becky Lynch battling Maxxine Dupri for the Intercontinental Championship. Despite Lynch’s experience, Dupri garnered considerable support. An unexpected twist occurred when Natalya turned on Dupri, aiding Lynch to victory.
Future Event Build-Up
Both divisions are gearing up for the Royal Rumble, with several competitors announcing their participation. Among the women, renowned names included Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, while the men’s side featured stars like Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio.
Conclusion
This historic episode of WWE Raw not only delivered thrilling matches but also effectively built anticipation for the upcoming Royal Rumble. With Punk’s impressive performance and AJ Styles’ career ramifications, fans have much to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
