Major star returning from hiatus, CM Punk’s Royal Rumble opponent to be decided?

This week’s WWE RAW will add another chapter to the build for WWE Royal Rumble 2026. Fans are riding high on expectations, especially after last week’s RAW and SmackDown delivered exactly what they promised. The show will emanate from the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany. WWE might be planning some big surprises and moments for the show tonight.

Names like CM Punk, Bron Breakker, AJ Styles, and Gunther are already announced for the show. Apart from that a massive dream match is set to take place tonight inside the PSD Bank Dome. Moreover, there are various rumors that a former United States Champion could be in line to finally make a return. All that and more is expected from this week’s Monday Night RAW.

Let’s take a look at the matches, rumors, and everything you can expect from the January 12 edition of WWE RAW:

#5. Bron Breakker’s next step

Bron Breakker suffered a big loss against CM Punk last week on WWE RAW. He lost his chance to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, and that has left a massive hit on his momentum. Now the question remains, what is next for the former NXT Champion in WWE? Well, fans might get their answer about that tonight in Germany.

There is a high chance that Breakker could deliver a fiery promo alongside Paul Heyman to kick off the show. He could then announce his entry into this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match to get a World Title opportunity at WrestleMania. Fans might witness a much more ruthless side of the young star tonight. Notably, Bron is one of the frontrunners to win this year’s coveted match.

#4. LA Knight returning tonight?

LA Knight has been out of action since The Vision took him out on Monday Night RAW a few weeks ago. The Defiant One’s absence can be felt on the red brand, and the company needs to bring him back. According to some reports, Knight is scheduled to travel to Germany this week. There are good chances that The Megastar will make his return to WWE RAW tonight.

The former United States Champion has a lot of unfinished business with The Vision. Bronson Reed and Austin Theory are set to compete in a tag team match with Dragon Lee & Penta tonight. Hence, The Defiant One could make his return during this match to take out Reed and Theory. It could be followed by LA Knight announcing his entry into this year’s Royal Rumble match.

#3. CM Punk’s Royal Rumble opponent to be decided?

CM Punk is set to head to Saudi Arabia later this month to be at the WWE Royal Rumble. There are no official opponents for him right now for the event. But WWE might announce a potential #1 contender match tonight on WWE RAW. The Best in the World could be involved in a promotional promo where he might call out an opponent for the Royal Rumble.

Later on the show, GM Adam Pearce could announce a potential multi-person match to determine the next challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship. It could be similar to how WWE announced the #1 contender match series for the Undisputed WWE Championship on SmackDown. If that happens on WWE RAW, Gunther, JeVon Evans, and AJ Styles could be some of the names.

#2. IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley’s celebration on WWE RAW

IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley became the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions on last week’s WWE RAW. They defeated Kabuki Warriors to end their three-month-long feud. Tonight, fans might see the new champions celebrating their triumph on the show. Besides, WWE might set up a new and fresh feud for the two stars this week ahead of the Royal Rumble show.

Lash Legend and Nia Jax have been lurking at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships for a long time. The two stars could confront IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley this week to lay out a challenge. It can be a solid segment to add as the next chapter of SKY and Ripley’s partnership. Besides, WWE might add the Women’s Tag Title defense for the Royal Rumble PLE.

#1. AJ Styles and Gunther will compete in a dream match

AJ Styles and Gunther had an intense face-off last week on RAW. It was then announced that the two stars would compete in a singles match on WWE RAW in Germany. Fans have been clamoring to see the two stars competing in the ring for a long time. Tonight, they will share the ring for the first time in what could be a potential match of the year contender.

Both Styles and Gunther are two of the best wrestlers on the planet. They both hail from the technical indie background of professional wrestling. Therefore, fans can expect some close falls and counters in this match tonight. Besides, this match is set to give the winner a significant surge of momentum heading into the road to WrestleMania.