Finn Balor as World Heavyweight Champion? Multiple big returns on the cards (1/19/2026)

The upcoming episode of Monday Night RAW will serve as a major stop on the road to Royal Rumble. This is one of the most interesting times of the year, where WWE unravels some big surprises and shockers to hype up the Rumble season. You can expect the same tonight as the January 19 edition of RAW will emanate from the capital of Northern Ireland.

The company has advertised several major things for tonight, including two big championship matches. Well, that’s not the only thing to amp up your excitement. Rumors have been swirling that fans may also get to see some big returns on the show tonight. From the looks of it, this is truly going to be an exciting and thrilling night in the SSE Arena in Belfast.

Let’s take a look at the advertised matches, buzz, rumors and speculation surrounding tonight’s Monday Night RAW:

#5. Maxxine Dupri goes to war against Becky Lynch

Maxxine Dupri lost the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Becky Lynch on the first RAW of 2026 after having a short yet interesting reign. She will finally get her rematch tonight, where the 28-year-old will look to recapture the coveted title. However, Durpi will step into an unknown territory as she battles Lynch in the latter’s home turf.

With The Man having home advantage, this could be quite a challenge for the Alpha Academy member. There is a good possibility that Becky Lynch will retain her Women’s Intercontinental Championship tonight. This could mark the end of her long feud with Maxxine Dupri, paving the way for a fresh new direction for Lynch heading into the Royal Rumble.

#4. LA Knight may return for vengeance against The Vision

The Vision is set to compete in a huge Six-Man Tag Team Match tonight against Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee and Penta. They are expected to win this match in a dominant fashion. However, their celebration may not last long as LA Knight could return tonight, looking for revenge. The Megastar could take out The Vision members for what they did to him last month.

Knight has been away from television for quite some time and recent reports suggest that he is gearing up for a return. Therefore, WWE might not delay it any further as Saturday Night’s Main Event and Royal Rumble are around the corner. Tonight could be the night where The Defiant One finally comes back to Monday Night RAW to resume his feud with The Vision.

#3. Big feuds set to kick off on Monday Night RAW

The upcoming episode of RAW may work as a fresh slate for the inception of several fresh feuds and storylines. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY will officially embark on a new feud with Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez tonight as The Judgment Day duo became the Number One Contender for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship last week.

Besides, The Usos might start a brief feud with Otis and Tozawa tonight for the World Tag Team Championship after what we witnessed last week. Speculation suggests that the Creed Brothers might confront them to kick off a major feud with Jey and Jimmy Uso for the coveted title. The road to Royal Rumble could really get interesting for The Usos.

#2. Chad Gable’s return could be on the cards

Chad Gable has been away from WWE since June last year. However, recent reports from various media outlets suggest that he is gearing up for a big comeback. Besides, Gable was also seen training at the WWE Performance Center lately. There is a good chance that the American Made leader could return on tonight’s episode of RAW in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

WWE is on its European Tour and it needs some big returns to make the shows memorable and electrifying. Fans have been clamoring to see Chad Gable come back to Monday Night RAW for a long time and therefore, Triple H could pull the trigger on this tonight. With his potential return on the cards, WWE could also revive the American Made.

#1. Finn Balor winning the World Heavyweight Championship?

The biggest highlight of tonight’s show will remain the World Heavyweight Championship match. Finn Balor is set to battle CM Punk in a blockbuster match for the coveted title in his home turf of Ireland. It has been a long time since The Prince was in a world title match. Could Balor be poised to dethrone Punk and pull off a huge upset on RAW?

Well, that seems like a far-fetched scenario. WWE recently shook up the road to Royal Rumble by making the Undisputed WWE Title change hands on SmackDown. Therefore, another World Title changing hands ahead of WrestleMania is unlikely. CM Punk is expected to retain the World Heavyweight Championship tonight by beating Finn Balor.