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WWE Raw Thoughts Jan 19th, 2026 (Patreon)

Published:
2026-01-20 04:00:08
Imported:
2026-01

Content

LUKE: The best ones will be read on the next WrestleTalk Podcast!

Comments

NeoDetroit

Balor getting his old theme back (even if it’s just for that one match) is another key example as to why a good theme is absolutely necessary to make a wrestler feel like a star.

DennyDorko

Damn...they did R-Truth DIRTY in that Unreal clip. They are doing what I expected with Gunther and AJ Styles, I just expected the career stipulation match to happen at Wrestlemania or later, not the Rumble. Maybe they are doing it because that was where he debuted 10 years ago? Or maybe it's a swerve and AJ wins, but they do the stipulation again later with Gunther putting something on the line? I doubt it, but I am not ready to see him retire yet.

Lucia Austin

My mother and I were watching and during the Rhiyo/Judgment Day segment, we were waiting for someone to make the save for Rhiyo. Then it occurred to me... the only person that would make storyline sense at that point is Stephanie Vaquer, but she's injured. This made the champs look outgunned 3 to 2, and given how long Rhea especially has been dealing with JD shenanigans, it made them look stupid. This segment accomplished very little except confirm that all of them were in the Rumble, which was kind of a foregone conclusion.

TheDerpiestofDerps

I wish this finn push was gonna lead to anything. I think judgement day is long overdue to dissolve as a faction and let everyone go their seperate ways. Let dom go do a big babyface singles run, finn and JD can inject some new blood into the tag division, and the ladies can continue their great unit as something else away from judgement day

Mohammed Albanai

If you're going to retire AJ styles it needs to be the main event. Imagine AJ loses at the rumble... Then it's time to get excited again, that's such a shift in tone that it doesn't work. Also it's too soon and not enough build

Ryan Lahiff

I'm liking this more aggressive version of Adam Pearce way more than borderline alcoholic Adam Pearce!

BadTax

Hey lads! Long time listener and big fan of the new WCW series can’t wait for more of that. I thought Raw tonight was as a whole was pretty great with a lot of help from a pretty hot Belfast crowd. I thought the Main Event was fantastic and makes me want to see a new and hopefully good Finn Balor run. Also the Natalya heel turn really doesn’t make sense to me but AJ/Gunther at Royal Rumble has me even more excited for the best PLE. Have a great week! Jam that Jam!

Jay Olivier

Pretty ok episode of the Monday night fight, Nattie’s heel turn doesn’t really make any sense when she hasn’t been on tv at all, Wild Man Pierce is absolutely going to get himself or someone else killed, and Finn deserved every single ounce of the praise he got before, during, and after that match. Screw it, I’m on board for a Finn Balor face turn after that performance

Lee Bauer

I think what they're doing with Maxine Dupree could be way better. Right now she feels like the same person, nothing has changed, just some pre-film promos showing that she's this new badass character but it doesn't really translate on screen. She's gotten better yes but I think there's a lot that they could have done to make it more compelling. They should have changed her music, her entrance song is left over from when they were together with Chad Gable they need to completely remove that from her character. Also change her wrestling gear but maybe more of like an MMA type fit, I don't know but something different. Look at wrestlers like Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and Marina Shafir, they had more of a badass type fit they sold this underground fighter type character. We all kind of saw that this is going to be the storyline that they were going for with Natalia but it just feels like it wanan afterthought. Love you guys been listening to you guys forever jam that jam.

Joshua Shepherd

I think a heel Natalia is awesome. But how it came to be is very lame. Also is it me or are the wrestlers having no enthusiasm for the Rumble?

Vectron44

I know this is maybe a little off the wall but could the women's tag main event night one? Seems a little sacrilegious that Rhea, Iyo and Asuka haven't had the chance to close out a Mania night. Alternatively, could Vacquer have Asuka and Kairi in a Triple threat for the championship if they want a big but not main event match?

Wheels

It seems like retirements these days are just a series of matches. Do you think AJ versus Gunther is too soon? I always thought they could do a Ric Flair style retirement storyline where the next match AJ styles losers would be head last. The matches could actually be good this time.

Lewis Kelly

Just goes to show how Important presentation is in the wrestling business. Despite the nothing build, besides the 'hometown advantage' (despite not technically being his home town) Finn Balor with his old entrance and music instantly felt like a big deal again, even if everyone knew he was never beating Punk. Maybe there is hope for him if he escapes the Judgement Day Vortex. Especially as he was one of HHHs guys in NXT.

Brody Allsep

Not about Raw, but with it having a TV deal now, thought I'd share thoughts on Impact and Genesis being there live. In the audience, it was a fine TV show to a great PPV. Heard from those watching on TV it was handled poorly, and only a couple skippable matches at Genesis, with the rest ranging from fine to great. Overall, good first time live TNA experience and now the third promotion live TV and PPV after WWE and AEW.

MeekCandy4

This episode of Raw was alright. The Gunther and AJ segment was good although I’m still mixed on the finish from their match last week. I think if Gunther made AJ tap after the low blow, I would be a bit more positive about it. AJ’s career being put on the line at the Royal Rumble is weird since that feels like a Wrestlemania match. Finn coming out to his old theme for the World Title match was really nice. The match was fantastic and I was wondering if there was going to be a shock win. Shame that Finn lost. Now is the time to get him out of Judgement Day.

Brolic Brenden Cole

Balor was my favorite 10 years ago, it pains me to see him basically in the same position he’s was in since he recovered from the injury. Hopefully he goes to AEW lol. hopefully Jevon Evans is ok, I tuned in live right before it happened and I wasn’t sure if it was a spot. rest of the show was pretty mid The crowd was cool. It made my girlfriend laugh. Been watching you boys daily since 2017 when you guys first reported the Hardys were coming back to the WWE, you guys introduced me to backstage wrestling politics and so I thank you. Finally subbed to the Patreon, I’ve been watching the episodes I missed in The Rock vs Cena series. I have so much more catching up to do. Thank you guys for all you do, keep up the great work. Pipebomb beats maths sorry Luke

Peter Siddorn

Another mid RAW only noteworthy thing is the AJ Gunther at the rumble making me wonder if AJ contact was up sooner then we thought.

Badgersprite

I’ve been pitching for months that Liv is going to be the one to predict the Rhiyo downfall and warn Iyo that Rhea will turn on her. Felt very validated to get that. Also loved the irony that Liv doesn’t see that she’s setting up Roxanne to usurp Judgement Day from her the same way Liv did from Rhea.

Figment

I really wish Finn would have won the title. Would have completely shaken up the entire card. Also, Finn totally deserves it. Good match, missed Balor's old theme. AJ putting his career on the line right now feels weird. Not a fan of it. Totally saw the Nattie heel turn. Just hope it leads to that version on TV.

Sedin Magic15

I thoroughly enjoyed this week's Raw. The vision/Adam Pearce storyline actually has me a bit hooked, and the main event was fantastic! I really liked that Finn came out to his old music and was babyface for a night. I actually ended up cheering for him, even though I knew he wasn't going to win, and was a bit disapointed when Punk won. In place of Ollie, this week's Raw is 78%

Dev King

I honestly feel like Finns old theme brought back a-lot of the feeling for him, sometimes it’s that simple. Also Adam Pearce being this involved in the story with the vision is fairly griping. Love you guys, and as always Maths>Pipebomb (Hope Olis trip is going good)

GoldenRK9

What would you guys think about Cody and Gunther being entrants 1 and 2 respectively in the Rumble and going the distance being the final 2 as well?

Sid Harrison

Probably the best raw of the new year. Awesome crowd. AJ surely has to beat Gunther as I believe it would be a waste of his retirement to use it on a 4 week story. Also dislike that I can tell where everyone’s promo’s are heading this time of year as they all end with “I’m in the rumble”

Bob

Is triple h’s back against a wall because man it’s been a lot better booking since the first smackdown of the year? Nevermind, it’s just rumble/mania season. Glad to see Finn get an insane reaction, hopefully some resemblance of a push comes from it. JTJ

Martin Klimza

If there was any doubt that Finn can be a world title contender again, this main event should make them all go away

Kevin Fleuriot

I am so intrigued about the AJ vs Gunther match. I think Gunther is going to cheat to win and this will be similar to the Johnny Gargano situation in 2018 when he put his career in the line and then had to fight in an Unsanctioned match against Ciampa to get his career back. After seeing the main event, I need AJ and Punk to have a 1v1 before the year ends. The match was great and another example of why you should give more title defenses to your World Champions on weekly TV.

Ryan Daniels

I can really see AJ losing at RR and his career ending at the PPV where he made his debut exactly a decade earlier, no swerves, just a straight up all time classic match and Gunther wins. The alternative (and what I hope happens) is Gunther wins via shenanigans, we finish the PPV thinking that’s it, AJ is done but on the lead up to WM it’s discovered that Gunther cheated to win and AJ is given a career on the line rematch at WM. Although Mick Foley in 2000 at No Way Out lost clean, he was brought back for WM and it would be cool to see them do something similar with AJ.

kyle McAllister

Can’t get over the fact that WWE is using Unreal as a way to put the blame on Truth for letting him go. We went from “did you enjoy the show” to “it was his fault” as soon as they could get a camera crew on Hunter. Otherwise a decent raw. We built AJ and the rumble, turned Natty to a baddy, and Finn got to show out in front of an Irish crowd. 75%.

Jamzy

Hi guys long time listener, first time commenter. This Raw was overall okay in my opinion, the AJ stuff really interests me because there’s no way he retires next week so I’m curious to how he wins the match. I feel really bad for jevon I thought it was a work at first but I can’t see that being true at all . I fucking love Finn Balor and the fact that just bringing back his old theme made him feel like a big deal again and it was a pretty fun match so I’m hoping he manages to maintain some momentum from this.

Blossom

Watched live for the first time in forever! Aj x Gunther could go either way which is exciting Hope the injury isn’t too bad What did you think of Kit Wilson’s entrance on smackdown (I’ve watched it 1000 times and sing his song in my head all the time )

Tino RSA

Wrestlemania 42 predictions. Roman vs Drew, rock will come down during the match and hand Drew a chair to use against Roman (aka Mr McMahon, WM X7). This will also set up Rock vs Roman at WM43.

CJ Sharp

Dare's more to oreland dan dis. Pin Balor got a pop but did anyone ever think he was going to win just because the show was in the island of ireland? Enough with the Maxxine push, producing poor matches tiiiiime and tiiiiiime again and dragging down other talent - even her two week trainer has had enough and delivered one of the softest beat downs ever seen. Lucha v Vison match was fun. the Smackdown shake up has worked, now Raw needs one. Cole calling Je'von Evans Kingston was slightly embarrassing (yer daft racist) Keep up the great work guys

Sam Hedges

Interesting to see that AJs career is up in january, is that because the Cena farewell tour was so bad for them that they couldnt book another? Or are some shenanigans happening?

Raymond Mc Mahon

Gunther AJ is super interesting given I can't imagine his career ending so soon into the year But the real highlight for me was Punk Balor going in I didn't expect Finn to even come close but the moment I heard his old music something changed in me and I could fully believe in a win Since Finn basically wrestled face tonight I do think it's something WWE should look into to give him and the Judgement day a refresh

Snake

I’m liking the Gunther AJ stuff but I feel like last night they had a chance to have a few segments of AJ throughout the night possibly talking to other wrestlers getting their opinions on whether he should put his career on the line or not but nothing, just one segment with Adam Pierce where Aj just said “yeah I’ll do it”. Abit of a missed opportunity for me. Also no Rusev again? Do you think Vlamdimir Putin would be impressed?

Benn Waller

Corey as the AAA commentator, was shocked about Natalya’s heel turn & said he’s never seen that side of her, even though she’s been doing her heel character there. Then during the El Grande match constantly mentioning AAA. Makes no sense. Hope Je’Von is ok. & can someone please tell WWE that Ireland & Northern Ireland are different countries.

Matthew

I can’t believe how badly wwe has fumbled Finn. I genuinely believe he’s a top 10 talent of all time. His loss last night might be my breaking point in believing they will actually believe in him even though the result was never in doubt. I just wish he went to aew. He may not win a world title but might get treated with respect and I don’t know maybe actually win a match

Drew Heatley

I think the AJ-Gunther angle, while progressing a little fast, is probably the right thing. AJ has always been clear about retiring in 2026, and having the match this early into the year raises the stakes far more than if it was in December. The synergy of Rumble to Rumble across the decade is probably a nice bow to wrap around it. It also means Gunther's momentum can continue.

Liam

Did anyone else hear Cole accidentally say "what a c**t" when running through the upcoming podcast releases? It sounded like he was talking about Taker 😂 around 54:30

Drew Vincent Curwood

I'm sure this heel turn will be the thing the Big sho... I mean Natalia need to get over this turn is the one

Lawrence

Very frustrated by the Natalia/ Maxxine story. Feel like there is a very good story in there but on the whole it's been scrambled, lazy and rushed. Great beat down though. 1:17:50... There's the boom mic

Samuel Harris

Did they just book GM interference?

Vikrish-Ingi

Best Raw this year still worse than every smackdown and nxt . My theory is bron holds Pearce to ransom Pearce quits after the rumble and the new gm is the retired AJ Styles

Vikrish-Ingi

Also Finn is so good chap needs to go into a pit of dispear like seth last year and disappear for a.few weeks and come back as his old self or Demon.

Ben (Be3nzie)Crosby

I just have a feeling that this is it for AJ in WWE. apparently his deal ends in February so this kinda feel like the end. But to end in Saudi is such an odd choice. Surely an Atlanta crowd or hell even a French one would be better…

David Hayter

Presumably the Rock on the other end of the phone with the dangling threat of promoting his daughter if Pearce doesn’t get his act together

Austin Thornberry

Kinda giving away the results of the Gunther v Styles match. There’s no way there gonna have Aj retire at the beginning of the year so it has to end by Dq

Jerry Osullivan

I think AJ loses his WWE career at the Rumble and then goes back to TNA to finish out his in ring career at Slammiversary against Leon Slater putting Leon over.

Angel and Gaz

I’ve missed this Finn Bálor — the version of him who lights up an arena the moment that entrance music hits, carrying that electric, show‑elevating aura that made him feel untouchable. Finn Bálor walked into Belfast as a hero and wrestled like a man determined to etch his name into the night. It's a shame it will be back to business as usual soon.

Mike C

Aj beats Gunther at the rumble and then Gunther wins the rumble.