WWE Raw: A Night of Upsets, Suspensions, and Setting the Stage
It was a night of high stakes and unexpected turns on the January 12th episode of Raw, broadcast from the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany. From AJ Styles' continued main event status to The Judgment Day's struggles and a rising star's debut, the show delivered plenty of talking points. Let's dive into the key moments and what they might mean for the road to the Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles: The Phenomenal One's Farewell Tour?
Few wrestlers have consistently delivered the level of performance that AJ Styles has throughout his WWE career. His match with Gunther in Germany was a prime example, but it ended with a sneaky win for The Ring General, who tricked Styles with a fake tap-out. But here's where it gets controversial: Styles has hinted at retirement in 2026, making every match a potential last hurrah. While he might not be the central focus like John Cena was, his presence is still vital. This feud with Gunther is heating up, and both could easily be in the world title picture. Could we see Styles, a two-time WWE champion, get one last title run? It's a question worth pondering as we approach his final chapter.
The Judgment Day: Time for a Shake-Up?
The Judgment Day had a mixed night, with Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez earning a shot at the Women's Tag Team Championships. However, the overall booking of the group feels stagnant. Finn Bálor is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, and Raquel Rodriguez is still feuding with Stephanie Vaquer. But are these matches just filler? And this is the part most people miss: The core problem is WWE's reluctance to make bold moves with The Judgment Day. Outside of Morgan, no one in this group has lasting relevance near the main event scene. Should they pit Morgan and Bálor against each other? Or would it be a disaster? It's time to shake things up and give the group a fresh direction.
The Vision: Stumbling Blocks and Uncertain Futures
What exactly is The Vision? Initially, it was Seth Rollins' plan to reshape WWE with a select group of rising stars. However, an injury and a change in leadership have left the group directionless. Bron Breakker's actions led to his suspension, delaying his potential rise. Feuding with Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee pales compared to the top names. Boldly highlighting any point in the article that could spark differing opinions: Something needs to happen to make fans care about The Vision. Logan Paul might be spinning his wheels, but could he win gold? Or what about Bronson Reed and Austin Theory? Could a returning Brock Lesnar, or someone unexpected like Gunther, Jey Uso, or even Cody Rhodes, join the group? Now is the time for big changes.
Je'Von Evans: A Slow Start?
Je'Von Evans has officially joined the Raw roster, but his early presentation hasn't made a significant impact. He needs to move past his feud and show why he can compete with Raw's top names. Controversy & Comment Hooks: Why hold back? NXT fans loved this man so much he was named NXT Superstar of the Year despite winning no championships in 2025. A slow start could push him into the conversation with guys that may never fully translate to main roster success.
Germany Sets the Gold Standard
Germany's crowd was electric, setting the tone for a great night of wrestling. The energy was infectious, making familiar action feel new. The passionate response for everything was great. Will the American crowds be able to match the same energy when WWE returns to its home country?
What did you think of Raw? Do you agree with the points made about The Judgment Day and The Vision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
