WWE RAW Recap: Our Top Three Hits and Misses from 1/26/2026

WWE RAW Recap: A Night of Ups and Downs

If you missed WWE Raw on January 26, 2026, you missed a whirlwind of emotion, surprises, and a tantalizing main event that left fans at the edge of their seats. CM Punk and AJ Styles finally clashed in a match that had been hyped to the heavens. But the night was as much about the exhilarating highs as it was about disappointing lows—here's my take on three things we loved and three things we absolutely hated!

Hated: Nattie's Heel Turn Fumble

Let's kick things off with the heel turn of Natalya. Last week, she turned on Maxxine Dupri in a rather underwhelming style—putting Lynch's foot on the rope was the spark, but how this was followed up left much to be desired. In a video package played during the show, Nattie insisted Maxxine would never be a legend. While her words carried weight, the presentation fell flat. Why not shoot for an in-ring promo, especially in her native Canada? The heat she could have garnered would have made a world of difference!

Loved: Six-Woman Tag Match Excellence

The six-woman tag match stole the show in a big way. Featuring Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and the vibrant Stephanie Vaquer against Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, and other heavy hitters, the athleticism was unmatched. This match embodied everything we love about women's wrestling—intense competition, clever storytelling, and just enough drama to keep fans invested. Two fantastic matches in three days? Count me in!

Hated: Flat Tension Between Breakker and Pearce

Oh, come on! The tense relationship between Bron Breakker and GM Adam Pearce had led us to expect fireworks. Instead, we got a rather bland segment: a weak apology and an announcement about the Royal Rumble. Given the buildup, the payoff felt almost non-existent. If you're going to hype something, make sure it delivers! I wanted the kind of confrontation that leaves fans buzzing.

Loved: AJ Styles and CM Punk—A Match for the Ages

Now onto the main event—I can't express how exciting it was to see two legends in the ring together. AJ Styles and CM Punk, both masters of their craft, brought us a match filled with nostalgia and high stakes. They hinted at everything we wanted to see. And while the match ended in disqualification thanks to Finn Balor's interference, the thrill of it all had me glued to my seat! There was a moment that captured the hearts of fans everywhere.

Hated: Dream Match Derailed

And then there was Balor's run-in. Just when the match was building to a masterful crescendo, he swoops in for a disappointing disqualification. It left fans feeling cheated—not the way to execute a dream match on live television. Balor's moment could have easily come after the bell rang. I understand the need to protect the characters but let's not sacrifice storytelling for a disqualification finish!

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

After an exciting night filled with highs and lows, it's clear that the WWE is gearing up for a thrilling road to the Royal Rumble. The buildup is palpable, and with promises of new rivalries and unexpected turns emerging, wrestling fans, hold on to your seats! There's a lot to unpack as we move forward. Be sure to catch the results and highlights from WWE Raw if you missed anything—I guarantee it'll be worth your time!