The WWE Raw preview for January 5 focuses on three title matches, a Stranger Things crossover, and the arrival of some new or perhaps old blood…
Just one week from today, WWE will mark a huge milestone as the company celebrates the first anniversary of its Netflix debut. Weeks ago, WWE announced the show would kick off 2026 with a bang, with a huge world title match between defending champion CM Punk and challenger Bron Breakker. But the card has continued to build, and now, there are three title matches in addition to a Stranger Things crossover and the potential for a few surprises, all set for the anniversary show. Let’s take a look at what’s in store when Raw rings in the new year on January 5.
Stranger Things Have Happened…
As Stranger Things comes off its highly anticipated series finale on New Year’s Eve, Raw will head to the world of the Upside Down. WWE and Netflix haven’t revealed any details as to the extent of the crossover, but it’s sure to be star-studded. And who knows, maybe there will even be some twists and turns along the way. The expression, after all, is that stranger things have happened, and it essentially means that even the unlikely could happen. WWE has already been teasing the NXT arrival of several stars, including Trick Williams and Oba Femi. Joe Hendry officially debuted on SmackDown, and it seems Je’Von Evans is joining Raw. The new year is a great chance to reset some things, and what better way to do that than with the arrival of some new or perhaps old blood. Because, in addition to the NXT rumors, there have been some rumblings about the return of a major WWE star just in time for a not-so-millenium countdown.
Chris Jericho’s AEW contract is reportedly expiring before the strike of midnight on December 31, with some speculating he could return to WWE as soon as the January 5 episode of Raw.
Three World Title Matches
In addition to a Stranger Things-themed backdrop for Raw, there will be great in-ring action in the form of three title matches. Becky Lynch will get another crack at regaining her Women’s Intercontinental Championship when she challenges the newly confident Maxxine Dupri. Ever since Dupri began training at the Hart Family Dungeon, she’s developed more of an edge and swagger, something that only annoys Lynch even more. Lynch had claimed that she never tapped out and that the referees are out to get her, but Dupri promised that after their rematch on Monday, she’ll have no one to blame but herself.
Bron Breakker has been the biggest beneficiary of the unfortunate injury to Seth Rollins. Breakker has come into his own as he’s been thrust to the top of the title scene, and he’s done so with the poise and overconfidence of a veteran despite being so new to the business. But as Breakker reminded Punk and everyone else tonight, his pedigree has only made him have to work harder. He’s lived his life under a microscope and intense scrutiny, surrounded by comparisons to his Hall of Fame father and uncle. That’s only made him commit himself even more and dedicate himself even more. Breakker told Punk he won’t find a single person in the back who wants this as much as he does. He said he will die for the title, and he knows Punk will too, so he’s willing to let him. Breakker promised to bury Punk, only for Punk to offer a fiery retort. Punk told Breakker he earned his championship and everything that comes with it, and he’s not ready to give all of that up. A day will come when someone takes the title from Punk, but that day won’t be January 5, and that someone won’t be Breakker.
Finishing off the trio of title matches is the Crown Jewel rematch between the Kabuki Warriors and IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. The newly teamed RHIYO has been on fire as they look to capture the tag titles from SKY’s former family in Asuka and Kairi Sane. But the Kabuki Warriors have also been unstoppable since regaining the tag titles and becoming three-time champs. Asuka and Sane have been more dangerous than ever, and there is no doubt that this match is going to be hard-hitting, intense, and personal.
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