Tag: bron breakker

Bron Breakker storyline suspension lifted during WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bron Breakker is already unsuspended.

During Raw, Adam Pearce apologized to Breakker, saying he laid his hands on Breakker first. He then revealed to The Vision that Breakker’s suspension would be lifted and he would be placed in Saturday’s Royal Rumble match. He then went further, saying that all members of The Vision would be in Saturday’s match in Saudi Arabia. But after giving The Vision everything they wanted, Pearce did put Austin Theory in a match against Rey Mysterio. Theory won thanks to help from the rest of The Vision.

On last week’s Raw, Pearce initally seemed adamant about continuing Breakker’s suspension. However, after a phone call, Pearce’s line of thinking completely changed, instead telling Heyman that he would have Breakker on this week’s show to discuss his suspension.

After Theory defeated Mysterio, The Vision jumped Penta and Dragon Lee, laying both men out. Commentary suggested that the phone call may be tied to Pearce giving The Vision preferential treatment, as no one came out to stop the beatdown.

Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, Becky Lynch among latest to declare for WWE Royal Rumble match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

More wrestlers have declared for the WWE Royal Rumble.

During the Adam Pearce – Bron Breakker summit that took place on Raw, the brand’s GM not only reinstated Breakker but placed him, along with the rest of The Vision, into Saturday’s Royal Rumble match. In a backstage segment later in the night, Logan Paul suggested they all focus on making sure Breakker ends up winning the Rumble. 

It was also announced that Oba Femi would be appearing in the Royal Rumble match. Vignettes have been airing on the main roster ever since he laid the NXT Championship in the ring following a successful title defense at New Year’s Evil.

Je’Von Evans also declared for the Royal Rumble during a commercial break, saying he was fine after his match on Raw last week was stopped due to a possible injury.

Becky Lynch declared in a backstage segment while talking about retaining the Women’s Intercontinenal title on last week’s Raw against Maxxine Durpri. She also exchanged words with Asuka, who has already declared for the match.

Here is the updated list of participants for the Royal Rumble:

Men:

  • Cody Rhodes
  • Gunther
  • Jey Uso
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Dragon Lee
  • Penta
  • Solo Sikoa
  • Roman Reigns
  • Jacob Fatu
  • Bronson Reed
  • Austin Theory
  • Logan Paul
  • Bron Breakker
  • Je’Von Evans
  • Oba Femi

Women:

  • Rhea Ripley
  • IYO SKY
  • Liv Morgan
  • Roxanne Perez
  • Raquel Rodriguez
  • Asuka
  • Bayley
  • Lyra Valkyria
  • Jordynne Grace
  • Chelsea Green
  • Alexa Bliss
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Lash Legend
  • Nia Jax
  • Giulia
  • Maxxine Dupri
  • Becky Lynch

WWE Raw live results: Royal Rumble go-home show in Toronto

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 26, 2026
Location: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON 

The Big Takeaway —

CM Punk and AJ Styles had their first WWE singles match, and it was for the World Heavyweight Championship. It ended in a DQ. Finn Bálor attacked Punk and laid him out, solidifying him as a heel again. 

Bron Breakker’s suspension has been lifted, and he will enter the Men’s Royal Rumble. The entire Vision will join him, and they’ve made it clear their goal is for Breakker to win. Adam Pearce granted them all a spot in the match, which seemed to surprise Paul Heyman. So there’s more to come there. 

This has not been a particularly strong build to the Royal Rumble, particularly the Rumble matches themselves. Nobody came off like a strong contender except Bron Breakker and maybe Rhea Ripley.

**********

Show Recap — 

There were shots of the stadium being built in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of Saturday’s Royal Rumble, followed by a shot of fans lined up outside Scotiabank Arena in my hometown of snowy Toronto for Raw. 

Stephanie Vaquer, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods (getting their hair done), The Vision (including Bron Breakker) were shown at the arena earlier today. 

Michael Cole claimed Scotiabank Arena was sold out with an attendance of 17,853. 

AJ Styles kicks off Raw in Toronto

Styles entered to a big ovation. He said Gunther claimed he would end his career at the Rumble. That was Gunther’s plan, but Styles didn’t plan on going anywhere. (There was a light, “F—k you, Gunther,” chant.)  

Styles acknowledged that 2026 would be the year that he retired. He wasn’t saying that to upset anyone—he was saying it so they could enjoy it together. John Cena showed him how he could say goodbye. 2025 was Cena’s year, and there was no reason 2026 couldn’t be his. 

There were men in locker rooms all over the world that he would love to wrestle one more time. (Interesting phrasing.) He also wanted to be world champion one more time. 

CM Punk entered to a big reaction. Punk said he’s known Styles for more than 20 years. They’ve been friends and enemies, but there was nothing but respect between them now. (Styles agreed.) 

Punk didn’t understand what he was doing by putting his career on the line against Gunther. Guys like them still had a lot left in the tank, and the stakes on Saturday were too high. Styles accused Punk of thinking that he couldn’t beat Gunther. 

Punk wasn’t saying that. He knew Styles could beat Gunther, but the last time they wrestled, Styles did not get his hand raised. And if Styles did retire, that meant the two of them never got to wrestle one-on-one in WWE. (They wrestled in a three-way with Chad Gable last year.)

Styles knew what Punk meant (about facing Gunther), but thought he was being disrespectful. Styles had an idea, and the crowd chanted, “Fight tonight.” Styles told Punk, “I know I can beat Gunther, and I know I can beat you.” Punk said Styles can’t prove that if he loses on Saturday. They both looked around at the crowd. 

Styles said if they did fight tonight, and he won, he should be number one contender for the title after he beats Gunther. Punk said if they were going to wrestle tonight in Toronto, it would be for the belt. Everyone cheered. Punk made the match, and they shook hands.

(Punk vs. Styles for the title was made official during the next match.)

******** 

There was a video package recapping Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Six-woman tag team match: Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer & Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez

The Judgment Day women all wore matching black-and-red gear. Ripley came out to a huge pop, and the crowd sang Iyo Sky’s name as the match began. 

Vaquer entered to a modest applause and went to work on Morgan, but her Devil’s Kiss attempt was broken up by Rodriguez, which upset the fans. Morgan had actually tagged out to Rodriguez moments earlier, but Vaquer didn’t see it because she was distracted by Perez. The referee did see it, but made no attempt to get Morgan out of the ring besides yelling vaguely at her. She remained in the ring for well over 10 seconds before Rodriguez got in. 

Judgment Day maintained control over Vaquer throughout a break. Morgan yanked Sky off the apron, while Rodriguez attacked Ripley from behind. The referee was ok with all of this. 

Vaquer finally did make a hot tag to Sky, who hit Perez with uppercuts, a flying dropkick, and a corner meteora. Morgan saved Perez from a moonsault, but Sky followed with a butterfly backbreaker. Morgan distracted the ref by messing up the ring skirt while Perez raked Sky’s eyes. Perez and Morgan hit a combo Russian leg sweep/Codebreaker for two. 

Sky made the next hot tag to Ripley, who gave Morgan a Razor’s Edge into Rodriguez. Ripley blocked a Pop Rox and clobbered Perez with a clothesline. Ripley followed with a missile dropkick to Rodriguez (who was in the ring a long time despite not being legal, but this referee obviously does not care). 

Morgan fought back with a tornado DDT on Ripley, but Sky broke up the cover. Everyone traded moves until Vaquel wiped out Rodriguez with a diving splash to the outside. 

Morgan went for Oblivion, but Ripley blocked it. Perez had made a blind tag, and they tried their combo move again, but Sky wiped out Morgan with a flying dropkick. Ripley finished off Perez with a Rip-tide for the pinfall win. 

The three winners celebrated. (Corey Graves noted that Vaquer was limping by the end of the match, which was the same injury she’s been selling the past several weeks.) 

Match result: Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY & Stephanie Vaquer defeated Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez (12:54)

A fun TV match despite the dumb referee. Ripley was the most over person in the match, and she got another win ahead of the Rumble, where she’ll be one of the favourites. 

********

There was a dramatic recap of Punk successfully defending his title over Finn Bálor last week in Belfast. 

Bálor approached Punk backstage. Bálor initially seemed in a bad mood after coming up short last week, but said Punk was part of the most memorable night of his career. Punk picked him up after the match and gave him his flowers, but Bálor didn’t return the favour, so he will now. Bálor thanked him. 

Punk thanked him, too. Punk said he couldn’t be the best in the world unless he beat the best. Punk considered Bálor one of the greats, and he earned the shot. Cena was gone, and there weren’t a lot of guys like them left. Punk advised him that he might want to ditch Judgment Day if he really wanted to be champion. Punk told him to win the Rumble, and maybe he’d see him again. Punk left, and Bálor nodded. 

********

There’s a commercial specifically for the special Triple H edition of WWE 2K26. I’m not even sure they’ve advertised the actual game yet. 

Bron Breakker and Adam Pearce face-to-face 

The Vision entered. Paul Heyman did his usual bit, called Toronto a second-rate city, and introduced each member of The Vision. Logan Paul got a lot of heat, of course. Heyman gave special attention to Bron Breakker. 

Heyman noted that Breakker was there because Adam Pearce wanted a face-to-face, but Heyman wanted to examine why this was happening first. Heyman showed a replay of Pearce putting his hands on Breakker first (before Breakker tried to kill him). Heyman said that was not appropriate behaviour for the Raw general manager. Heyman also showed a replay of Rey Mysterio pinning Austin Theory last week, thanks to Pearce planting the brass knuckles on the apron. 

Pearce entered. He admitted that things got out of hand, and he put his hands on Breakker first. He apologized. Breakker laughed. Pearce pledged to them all that it would not happen again. Pearce knew what Heyman was going to say next, and he already made it official: Breakker’s suspension was over, and he was in the Royal Rumble match. 

Heyman was happy and asked for a handshake. Pearce called Heyman a master negotiator, so he willingly entered Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Austin Theory into the Rumble. Heyman was caught off guard by this. Pearce also knew that Theory felt cheated after last week, so he put him in a match against Rey Mysterio—tonight. 

When the segment was over, all members of The Vision were happy, while Heyman was confused. Cole did not know what to make of Pearce’s decision. 

Austin Theory (w/ The Vision) vs. Rey Mysterio (w/ Penta & Dragon Lee)

Theory held control with a chin lock and tried to get some heat by going for Rey’s mask, but the crowd didn’t bite. The fight spilled to the outside, and Rey sent Theory flying into the ring post. As the outside parties argued, Rey hit Theory with a seated senton off the barricade. Rey smacked Reed’s head before heading back into the ring. 

This led to a second commercial break (the match started during a break), so about 5 of the first 8 and a half minutes of the match happened during commercials. 

Rey went after Theory outside the ring, but Theory dumped him onto the ring steps and placed him in another rest hold in the ring, just long enough to bring us back from break. Rey tried a springboard crossbody, but Theory nailed him with a mid-air forearm and an Ataxia (flatliner variation) for two. 

Dragon Lee checked on Rey outside the ring, so Logan shoved him. Penta superkicked Logan. Dragon Lee tried to take out Reed, but Reed caught him and drove him into the barricade before Logan yanked Penta off the apron. 

Rey kicked Logan, but the distraction allowed Theory to hit the ring with a curb stomp for the pinfall win. 

— Breakker attacked Penta and Dragon Lee after the match, and The Vision laid out the two men. Paul gave Dragon Lee a frog splash, while Breakker speared Penta, and Reed finished off Penta with a Tsunami. 

(Notably, it seemed like they were trying to set up Rey for a spear, but the referee frantically got between them and got Rey out of the ring. So perhaps after taking the curb stomp, they wanted to be safe with Rey.) 

Match result: Logan Paul defeated Rey Mysterio (11:23) 

This was a nothing match just to get Theory a win, finally. 

It turns out Rey may have gotten injured, so hopefully it isn’t serious. He seemed fine all match until they got him out of the ring for the post-match angle. 

*******

There was a Natalya video promo. She said she made Maxxine Dupri, but Dupri failed. Dupri didn’t fail herself, she failed Natalya. Rolling with a legend didn’t mean she could roll like a legend. There was a whole new Natalya, and when she was done with Dupri, was coming for it all (the IC title). “Because Natalya elevates, but Nattie decimates.”

Rodriguez marched around backstage, loudly screaming for Vaquer. Bayley was nearby and called her an idiot because she (Bayley) was on the phone. Lyra Valkyria got between them, so Rodriguez continued on her way until she was attacked by Vaquer. Officials quickly separated them. 

Byron Saxton interviewed Je’Von Evans during a break. Evans made the mistake of wearing a Boston Red Sox toque, so he was greeted with a “Let’s go Blue Jays” chant. Evans’ goal was to main event WrestleMania, which first meant winning the Rumble. He declared himself for the match. 

********

Gunther sit-down interview 

Cole interviewed Gunther in the Toronto Raptors locker room. Gunther said he agreed to Saturday’s match because he had something to gain by ending Styles’ career. He was sick of the old-timers overstaying their welcome, chasing one moment after another. Those moments belonged to him. 

Goldberg chased after a moment, but Gunther took it away. Cena chased moments for a full year, but all anyone would talk about now was that he gave up to him in his last match. Now, Styles had this idea of a long, emotional farewell tour, but Gunther wasn’t interested. 

Gunther noted that Cole was an old-timer, too. He asked Cole how long he planned on sticking around chasing a moment. He could kick the chair out and end Cole’s career right now, but he told Cole not to worry. Gunther wanted Cole at ringside on Saturday so he could say the career of the Phenomenal AJ Styles was over. 

This was really good. 

********

Bálor approached Pearce to declare himself for the Rumble. Pearce said Bálor already had his shot at the title last week, so he filled Bálor’s Rumble spot with someone else. He said the Rumble was full. Bálor said the Rumble couldn’t be full without him. Pearce reiterated that the match was full. Bálor left while contemplating what to do next. 

Morgan confronted Bálor. She accused Punk of giving him a participation trophy, and Bálor thanked him for it. She heard Punk say he should leave Judgment Day, but Punk didn’t really want him to be champion, while his family in Judgment Day did. Bálor said this wasn’t as straightforward as she thought. He said he would take care of it. 

********

Jey Uso entered ahead of a break to watch the next match. (No Jimmy again. They are in Canada, after all. Cole said he was dealing with personal issues.) Jey tried to run back his entrance music, but was cut off by American Made. 

Scottie Barnes was shown in the crowd, and he got a nice ovation.

Fatal four-way to determine tag team title number one contenders: The New Day (w/ Grayson Waller) vs. Alpha Academy vs. American Made (w/ Ivy Nile) vs. Los Americanos 

It doesn’t say much about the tag division (or more specifically, having two sets of tag titles) that this was the field to determine number one contenders. 

During a break, Xavier Woods confronted Cole at the desk and loudly told him, “I am Xavier, and that’s Kofi. Get it right from here on out!” Cole responded, “What was that all about?”  

The crowd didn’t react to anything until Otis got in, and then they were into it. (Amazing Otis can have this effect after all this time of being a background character.) Otis hit a Caterpillar elbow, but the cover was broken up. Everyone attacked Otis, so Akira Tozawa made the stave and hit Bravo Americano with a German suplex. Tozawa then wiped out all three teams with suicide dives. 

Tozawa set up Kingston for a diving senton, but Woods distracted the referee, so Waller tripped Tozawa. The referee admonished Waller until Jey superkicked Waller over the barricade. 

Otis beat up the other teams single-handedly and slammed Julius onto Brutus. Tozawa followed with a diving senton on Julius for the pinfall win. 

Alpha Academy will face The Usos for the tag titles. Jey bumped fists with Otis and Tozawa post-match. 

Match result: Akira Tozawa & Otis defeated American Made, Los Americanos & The New Day (10:53)

******** 

Jackie Redmond, wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jacket, interviewed Becky Lynch. Lynch called her win last week monumental, but Redmond wouldn’t know anything about monumental wins wearing a jacket like that. 

Lynch noted Natalya went after the match. Lynch understood, because Natalya trained Dupri from nothing, and she remained nothing. She compared it to training loser Lyra. Now Natalya was coming after her title, but Natalya would have to win the Rumble first, and that was laughable. 

Lynch said she was entering the Rumble match. Kairi Sane and Asuka interrupted. Sane said Lynch would not win the Rumble because Asuka would, and Lynch was not ready. Lynch said she was ready because she’s already beaten Asuka. Sane tried to explain this to Asuka, who was standing right there. Asuka cut her off and told Lynch she would see her in the Rumble. 

******* 

Je’Von Evans approached Styles as he warmed up. Evans hoped to see him after Saturday. Styles shook his hand. (Evans turned his hat around to hide the Red Sox logo.) 

Elsewhere, Vaquer told Pearce she didn’t want a match against Rodriguez—she wanted a fight. Pearce made a street fight for the title next week in Philadelphia. 

******** 

Royal Rumble card (start time 2 pm ET/11 am PT): 

  • AJ Styles vs. Gunther with Styles’ career on the line 
  • Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship 
  • 30 Woman Royal Rumble match 
  • 30 Man Royal Rumble match 

********

The Vision met backstage to discuss what their plan was now that they were all in the Rumble. Logan got up and said they should go into the match with one goal and one vision. He said they should ensure a victory for one man: Bron Breakker. Reed and Theory were both in full agreement. (Breakker had no discernible reaction to this.) 

******** 

There was an Oba Femi video package. He will be in the Rumble. 

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. AJ Styles

There were modest duelling chants as they got started, and each man went for their finishers early on, but a series of counters led to Styles applying a cradle for two. Punk got the better of their next exchange and hit Styles with an elbow and chop to the upper back. Styles came back with a dropkick. Punk fell outside, and Styles nailed a sliding knee. 

Styles was in control through a break until Punk whipped him hard into the corner after the break. The crowd chanted for tables. Punk followed with a neckbreaker, a lifting knee strike, a bulldog, and a shining wizard for two. Styles came back with a series of strikes, a running forearm, and a corner splash, but Punk fired right back with a clothesline for two. 

Styles blocked a GTS and followed with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker for two. Punk knocked Styles off the middle turnbuckle and hit a flying elbow drop for two. Punk immediately applied an Anaconda Vice until Styles countered out of it. Styles tried setting up for a Styles Clash, but Punk drove him into the turnbuckles. 

Punk tried a shining wizard again, but Styles caught him and set up a Styles Clash. Punk avoided it again, so Styles dumped him from the ring. Punk blocked a sliding knee and hit a GTS (outside the ring). Punk initially tried getting Styles into the ring, but it was taking too long, so Punk slipped back into the ring at an eight count, while Styles got in at nine. 

Styles was down selling, and Punk wasn’t sure what to do next, so Styles suddenly caught him in a Styles Clash for a nearfall. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Punk knocked him off the top rope. They exchanged strikes until Styles hit a Pelé Kick. 

Styles tried setting up the Clash again before Punk got him on his shoulders to try a GTS. Styles held the top rope, and as the two men struggled for position, Finn Bálor suddenly popped in the ring and dropkicked Punk into the corner (knocking Styles out of the ring) for the DQ. 

Bálor dropkicked Punk into the barricade and gave him a Coup de Grace in the ring. Punk rolled to his side, so Bálor hit the Coup de Grace again, this time on his ribs. Bálor hit the move one more time and stood tall as the show ended. 

Match result: CM Punk vs. AJ Styles ended in a disqualification — Punk retains the World Heavyweight Championship (18:11)

Bron Breakker return, World tag title number one contendership match set for next WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

One week after being indefinitely suspended, Bron Breakker may already be on his way back.

On Monday’s Raw in Belfast, Adam Pearce met with Paul Heyman and The Vision. Pearce said that he wanted to bring Breakker to Raw next week so they could sit in the same room and iron things out. Heyman said Breakker would be there, but then mocked Pearce by telling him to be on his best behavior.

Breakker and Pearce got into it last week after Breakker attacked Dragon Lee and Penta during a match. As the General Manager of Raw confronted him, Breakker went on a rampage, attacking officials and even shoved Pearce, who informed Breakker in a backstage segment later that he was suspended indefinitely following the altercation.

In a four-way match, The New Day, Alpha Academy (Otis & Akira Tozawa), Los Americanos, and American Made (Brutus & Julius Creed) will battle it out to determine a new number one contender for the World Tag Team titles, which are currently held by the Usos.

WWE Raw (January 26):

  • Bron Breakker returns from suspension
  • Four-way number one contender’s match for World Tag Team titles: The New Day vs. American Made vs. American Alpha vs. Los Americanos

Bron Breakker suspended indefinitely following WWE Raw attack

Posted on by Josh Nason

A week ago, Bron Breakker was challenging for the WWE World Heavyweight title on the first anniversary of Raw on Netflix. Now, he finds himself suspended (in storyline, anyway).

During Monday’s Raw from Dusseldorf, Germany, Breakker, along with The Vision, attacked Dragon Lee and Penta during their match with Austin Theory and Bronson Reed.

After Breakker speared Lee in the entranceway, Raw GM Adam Pearce confronted him outside the ring about his actions as he was about to deliver another one. That led to Reed delivering a Tsunami inside the ring to Penta which led to Pearce then getting in the ring to prevent further damage, leading to Breakker then spearing Penta due to the distraction.

Pearce confronted Breakker again, only for Breakker to push him into the corner and scream at him until officials separated them. Pearce berated The Vision walking backstage and in a later segment, he ran up to Breakker and told him he was suspended.

After Breakker stared Pearce down, Paul Heyman than interjected and told Pearce he made a big mistake as it was Pearce who touched Breakker first, something played up by Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on commentary afterward.

Fight Game: Bron, Oba, Trick & Je’Von

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Paul Fontaine joins Garrett Gonzales to discuss the latest happenings in pro wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked it off with Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down and then both brought up two topics each that we wanted to discuss.

Our main topics:

  • What Bron Breakker, Oba Femi, Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans could do at WrestleMania
  • Comparing how AEW and WWE brought up Jake Doyle and Matt Cardona
  • New Year’s Dash and a hopeful 2026 for NJPW
  • New Year resolutions

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

FREE WOL! Jericho, Punk vs. Breakker, Je’Von signing, RAW, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live is back with a FREE show talking tons of different subjects, including Bron Breakker and CM Punk almost killing themselves on RAW, Chris Jericho and WWE, Je’Von Evans signing during a commercial break, the IWGP Title lineage restored, the full RAW report from Monday and tons more! Best of all this show is free! If you want more wrestling content than anywhere else on the planet, join WrestlingObserver.com and get 84 shows every single month featuring breaking news, analysis, and unmatched coverage of pro wrestling. Subscribe and listen your way: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or directly at WrestlingObserver.com. Youtube and Spotify subscriptions feature video, and wrestlingobserver.com subscriptions include every show we’ve ever recorded dating back to 2005, over 15,000 shows! Sign up today, and thank you in advance!

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Bron Breakker cleared following WWE Raw match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bron Breakker has been cleared following WWE Raw.

During the main event, Breakker went for a frankensteiner off the top, but there was miscommunication and Breakker ended up landing badly upon impact. Despite this, Bryan Alvarez is reporting that WWE’s medical team cleared Breakker following Raw.

“Bron was checked out by medical after the show and was cleared,” Alvarez writes.

The World Heavyweight title match had been promoted for weeks, with Breakker and Punk exchanging words right up to their match on Monday. As expected, all members of The Vision eventually came out to interfere. However, they were thwarted by Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee, who eventually evened the odds. 

From there, the World Heavyweight title match became competitive as both men traded submissions and Breakker sent Punk through a table after launching off the top rope. In the end, it was Punk that prevailed, kneeing Breakker as he was looking to hit his spear and followed that with the GTS for the victory.

CM Punk retains World Heavyweight title on WWE Raw

Posted on by Josh Nason

CM Punk is still the WWE World Heavyweight Champion after surviving Bron Breakker’s attempt to win the title in the main event of the first anniversary of Raw on Netflix.

The end came when Punk countered a Breakker spear attempt with a knee strike, hitting a GTS for the pin and win.

It was Punk’s first televised title defense of his second reign. He won the vacant championship this past November against Jey Uso on Saturday Night’s Main Event after Seth Rollins had to vacate due to injury.

Breakker dominated Punk for the majority of the match, using his physical style to batter and beat Punk up. Punk was able to counter Breakker’s running spear attempt on the outside of the ring with a flying clothesline to regain the momentum going into a break that didn’t last coming out of it.

Breakker attempted a top rope Frankensteiner, but Breakker fell awkwardly in what looked to be a botch. Punk hit an elbow drop, but they eventually went to the spot again with Breakker hitting the move. Punk rallied again, but Paul Heyman distracted him before he could go for the GTS.

The Vision then came out to distract Punk who got hit from behind by Breakker who also took out the referee as well. Austin Theory hit a curb stomp that got a close nearfall and eventually, Dragon Lee, Penta and Rey Mysterio came out to even the odds as Bronson Reed was clearing off a table to have Punk thrown through it.

Punk eventually hit the GTS after Breakker ran into the ring post after Punk moved, but only got a nearfall. Breakker kicked out of another pin attempt and countered another GTS attempt into an armbar. Punk countered with an anaconda vice but Breakker got out of it, hit a gutbuster, and a clothesline for his own close nearfall.

Punk locked in an STF as a counter to Breakker’s GTS attempt, but made it to the ropes. Heyman got up on the apron again and Punk punched him and avoided a spear attempt that sent Breakker to the outside of the ring. However, Punk got punched by Breakker as he dove through the ropes, taking a nasty landing on the outside.

Breakker then went to the top rope and hit a flying elbow drop/clothesline of sorts, putting him through the table. As Breakker went for a spear, Punk hit a counter knee and a GTS for the pin and win.

Punk came out before the match mocking Breakker’s heritage, donning a CM Punk varsity jacket in University of Michigan colors like Rick & Scott Steiner used to wear.

The main event was part of the first anniversary of Raw’s debut on Netflix, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker World title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 5, 2026
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York 

The Big Takeaway —

CM Punk successfully retained his world title over Bron Breakker in an excellent main event, worth checking out if you missed it. There was a bunch of interference at one point, but they got everyone out of the way with enough time. 

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky won the Women’s tag titles, while Becky Lynch regained the Women’s Intercontinental title. 

Je’Von Evans signed with Raw during a commercial break. 

Chris Jericho was not on the show.

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole and Corey Graves (wearing a Hellfire Club t-shirt) welcomed us to a sold-out Barclays Center for a Stranger Things-themed edition of Raw. The graphics were all Stranger Things-related, and the establishing shot of New York was made to look like the Upside Down. There were also cars and other show gimmicks around the stage. 

Bron Breakker (and The Vision), CM Punk, Liv Morgan and Judgment Day, Becky Lynch, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley were shown arriving as the Stranger Things song played. 

(It was sort of funny—and fitting—seeing Breakker sternly march through the back ready for his first-ever world title while the Stranger Things track played.) 

Tonight’s sold-out crowd is 14,728. 

Women’s Tag Team Championship: Asuka & Kairi Sane (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY

After all the Stranger Things stuff, they went to commercial break 10 minutes into the show and just 39 seconds into the first scheduled match of the night. 

Ripley took control by hitting a cannonball off the apron ahead of the break, but when they returned, Sane pulled Asuka to safety on another attempt, and they drove Ripley into the barricade to take over. 

Ripley fought back and tagged in Sky, whose offence included a slingblade. That prompted Graves to mention Hiroshi Tanahashi and his retirement, which was nice. The heels got the advantage of Sky anyway, and Sane hit a leaping footstomp to Sky’s back while she was draped over the top rope—leading to another break barely 8 minutes in. 

Ripley got the hot tag and hit Sane with a Razor’s Edge, and Sky tagged back in. Sky followed with a flying dropkick for a nearfall. Crowd wanted a title change. 

Ripley gave Sane a Rip-tide as Sky set up for a moonsault, but Asuka shoved Ripley into Sky to knock her off the top, and followed with a Codebreaker on Ripley. Asuka tagged in and gave Ripley a German suplex (as Ripley yelled, “Oh, shit!”). Asuka and Sane double-teamed Ripley until Sky made the save and dumped Sane from the ring. Sky tagged in and hit Asuka with a running meteroa into the bottom rope. 

Ripley tagged in and hit Asuka with a Rip-tide, and Sky followed with a moonsault. Sky wiped out Sane with a dive, and Ripley covered Asuka for the pinfall win. New champs. The fans popped big. 

Match result: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defeated Asuka & Kairi Sane to win the Women’s Tag Team Champions (16:27) 

A pretty good, exciting match with a happy finish to kick off the new year. 

********

There was a video package for Punk vs. Breakker set to ‘This Land’ by Des Rocs. 

Adam Pearce congratulated the new tag team champs backstage. After they left, he was confused upon seeing a Demogorgon. 

Gunther approached Pearce next. Pearce advised Gunther that there were a lot of eyes on the show tonight, and a lot of eyes on Gunther, including from those in the locker room. He advised Gunther to mix in a little respect in his promo tonight. Gunther chuckled.

The next segment had a chapter title card like Stranger Things. It was Chapter Two: He who remains. (I assume they did this earlier, but I didn’t see it.) 

Gunther and AJ Styles segment

Gunther entered. He said he was told by management to show some respect, but people should be respecting him, the one man who made John Cena tap out. 

AJ Styles interrupted. The fans chanted for Styles as he got in Gunther’s face. Gunther called himself the greatest wrestler in this company (the crowd booed that), and that included Styles, because he was the man who made Cena tap out like a little bitch. Gunther wondered what “little AJ” was going to do about it. 

Styles smacked Gunther in the face. Gunther got in Styles’ face but didn’t retaliate. Styles wasn’t surprised and said, “That’s what I thought—nothing.” Styles chucked the microphone at Gunther and left the ring.

******** 

There was a video package for the Women’s IC title match. 

Ivy Nile told Pearce she didn’t plan on going to the back of the line and wanted the winner of tonight’s IC title match. Pearce wasn’t in the mood and told her that we’ll see. Nile reiterated that she would not go to the back of the line. (Someone should tell her it’s not a long line.) 

Gunther confronted Pearce and wanted Styles. Styles jumped in and told Gunther they could fight right now and asked if he would just stand there like a bitch. Gunther ignored Styles and demanded a match for next week. Pearce made it official. Styles was glad. 

******** 

The next title card was Chapter Three: It’s Not Just Her Saying It. 

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Becky Lynch 

Lynch wore gear inspired by her character in the upcoming Star Trek show. 

Lynch tried yanking Dupri off the apron, but Dupri countered by doing a pointless cartwheel. Dupri hit a boot to take control, but Lynch took control during a break by yanking Dupri off the middle rope. 

They returned from break, and there was a modest and brief “Y2J” chant. Dupri fired up and applied an ankle lock, but Lynch got a rope break. They traded come counters until Lynch hit a middle rope superplex and transitioned into a DDT for two. Lynch hit a back suplex, but Dupri came back with one of her own and a flying crossbody for two. 

Lynch set up for a powerbomb out of the corner, but Dupri slipped out and applied an ankle lock (this did not look good). Lynch tried flipping out of it, but Dupri held on while lying on the mat. 

Dupri’s back was down, so Lynch leaned backward, grabbed the bottom rope, and pinned Dupri for the win. Lynch is a two-time IC champion. 

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Maxxine Dupri to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (11:37) 

This was not good at all, but the right person won. Moving on. 

********

Je’Von Evans signs with Monday Night Raw 

Pearce entered and showed a video for Je’Von Evans, who joined Pearce on the stage. Pearce officially signed Evans to a Raw contract, and the fans applauded. 

The good: doing this on the stage made Evans feel special. The bad: this happened during a commercial break. 

After the break, they aired a commercial for season two of WWE: Unreal. 

********

The Usos segment 

Jimmy and Jey Uso entered in the crowd and remained there. Jimmy had them cut Jey’s music, but played it back for the fans before they cut their promo. 

The Usos shouted out Styles and Dragon Lee for their match, but that was last week and last year. 2026 was the year of the Usos. This was a warning shot to every tag team in the game. Standing in front of you was the best tag team in the game. They’d be waiting right here for anyone who wanted to run up on them. 

********

Stephanie Vaquer walked through the back and passed The Creed Brothers, who were hanging out in a Scoops Ahoy boat from Stranger Things. 

Chapter Four: To Kiss a Devil 

Stephanie Vaquer segment 

Vaquer entered in a walking boot for an in-ring interview with Jackie Redmond. Cole said Vaquer suffered an ankle injury during last week’s successful title defence. 

Vaquer spoke about her special year—winning four titles, including the world title. She became emotional as she talked about her accomplishments and thanked everyone for their support. She spoke in Spanish about her title defence last week over Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. She pointed to her walking boot and said the injury would not stop her. 

She posed with the belt, but was attacked from behind by Rodriguez. Rodriguez repeatedly slammed Vaquer’s injured foot against the mat before hitting a Tejana Bomb. 

Rodriguez grabbed a chair and was about to Pillmanize her leg, but Pearce and other officials ran out to stop it. The crowd booed as Rodriguez confidently walked to the back. 

Officials helped an upset Vaquer to the back during a break. 

After the break, only two medical staff members remained with Vaquer to help her walk. Rodriguez charged right back in and attacked Vaquer again. Pearce, who left Vaquer on her own, ran in and screamed at Rodriguez. He threatened to fine her until she had nothing left. 

******** 

Backstage, Rey Mysterio gave Dragon Lee words of encouragement and said he would be champion again. Dragon Lee appreciated the advice and left to speak with Styles. 

Penta approached Rey to say he was happy to come back early to help him against the Vision (I guess they haven’t talked since that segment ended). Rey thanked him for having his back. Rey said Penta understood the tradition, honour, and respect of lucha libre, everything the Vision wanted to destroy. Penta told Rey he would always be there for him. 

Elle Duncan was ringside. 

Lyra Valkyria (w/ Bayley) vs. Liv Morgan (w/ Roxanne Perez)

This went through a break, and the crowd was relatively quiet until a wild-looking spot about 7 minutes into the match. Valkyria set up for Nightwing, but Morgan countered into what was likely supposed to be a Codebreaker. It basically was, but Valkyria took the move almost like a DDT, so she landed right on her head. It likely sounded and looked worse than it was for Valkyria, fortunately. 

Morgan distracted the ref, so Perez dropped the rope on Valkyria. Bayley went after Perez, but the ref stopped her, so Perez used that distraction to chuck Bayley into the timekeeper’s area. Bayley “snapped,” grabbed a chair, and chased Perez through the ring and to the back. 

Valkyria was not paying attention to her opponent, so Morgan flew in and hit Oblivion for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Liv Morgan defeated Lyra Valkyria (8:56) 

Valkyria has not won a match since October, and she wasn’t presented like she deserved to win this one. 

********

CM Punk interview 

Redmond interviewed CM Punk backstage. Redmond said some thought Breakker could win the title tonight with one spear. 

Punk said everyone had an opinion. They would rather talk about him, because if they talked about themselves, nobody would pay attention. Breakker could claim spear 1-2-3 if he wanted. But if Punk was the underdog, you were underestimating him, and that meant a GTS and a nap. It could happen to anybody, but tonight, it was Bron. 

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Logan Paul and Austin Theory during a break. It doesn’t really matter what they said. Logan got a ton of heat, while the monotonous Theory got none. 

The only thing announced for Raw in Germany next week (2 pm ET/11 am PT start time) is Gunther vs. AJ Styles for the first time ever. 

******** 

Chapter Six: The Best vs. The Badass.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)

Punk wore a Rick Steiner-inspired Varsity Club jacket with “CM” on the front. This was his first official title defence since winning the title back on November 1st.

They wrestled back and forth through an early break until Bron sprinted the ropes and clobbered Punk with a clothesline. Bron held control until Punk tried a desperation GTS, but Bron countered into a back suplex. Bron remained in control until Punk again tried a GTS, but Bron countered into a gutbuster for two. 

Punk spilled out of the ring, and Bron saw his opportunity to hit a running spear, but Punk cut him off with a clothesline ahead of a break. Punk followed with a clothesline off the barricade and a flying crossbody in the ring for two. Punk hit a running lifting knee strike and tried another, but Bron drove him into the middle turnbuckle and hit a standing moonsault for two. 

After a break, Bron went for a Frankensteiner, but Punk did not come down for it, and Bron almost fell on his head. This was not the planned spot, and they did not show a replay (instead, they randomly replayed Bron’s standing moonsault). Punk did know well enough to follow up with a flying elbow drop for two. 

Punk went back to the top, and Bron successfully hit the Frankensteiner. Bron got him up for a press slam, but Punk countered into a DDT. Punk hit a lifting knee strike, a clothesline, and a flying elbow drop. 

Punk called for a GTS, so it was time for interference. Paul Heyman jumped on the apron, so Punk chased him off. Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed ran out and leaped on the apron, but Punk chased them all off, too (all right in front of the referee). 

Bron shoved Punk into the referee, who fell out of the ring, and Theory took the opportunity to hit Punk with a curb stomp. Bron made the cover for a nearfall. 

Penta, Rey and Dragon Lee all appeared from the crowd (after Penta’s music played) to attack the Vision and chase them away through the arena. 

That left Bron and Punk alone in the ring. Bron went for a spear, but Punk dodged it, and Bron went shoulder-first into the post. Punk followed with a GTS, which for sure felt like the finish, but Bron kicked out. The crowd was super into this sequence. 

Punk followed with a rare piledriver (“didn’t get all of it,” Cole said) for a two count. Punk went for another GTS, but Bron countered into a Fujiwara armbar. Punk slipped into a cover, but Bron reapplied the hold. Punk reversed that into an Anaconda Vice. Bron simply sat up to counter the hold to Punk’s surprise. Bron followed with a gutbuster and clothesline for a nearfall. 

Bron called for a GTS and went for the move, but Punk countered into an STFU. Bron got a rope break, so Punk went to reapply the move but became distracted by Heyman on the apron again. Punk punched Heyman. 

Bron tried to spear Punk, but Punk dodged it, and Bron spilled out of the ring. Punk went for a suicide dive, but Bron punched him in the face, and Punk splatted on the outside. Punk gathered himself by the announce desk, so Bron put him through it with a wild flying clothesline off the apron. 

Bron shoved Punk into the ring, dropped his straps, and went for a spear, but Punk got his knee up to block it. Punk followed with a GTS for the pinfall win. The crowd went nuts. 

Punk posed with his title belt as the show ended. 

Match result: CM Punk defeated Bron Breakker to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (26:34)

This was awesome. Both guys needed a match like this. Bron showed he can have a main event singles match, and Punk looked like a rightful world champion—and he got his first big title defence since returning to the company. 

Kevin Nash critiques CM Punk: ‘I think he’s done’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

If Kevin Nash were making the call, CM Punk would drop the World Heavyweight Championship to Bron Breakker on the first WWE Raw of 2026.

Punk and Breakker are set to face off on the January 5 episode of Raw from Brooklyn, New York. The title match will help set the stage for WrestleMania season — and Nash would like to see a new champion crowned. On his Kliq This podcast, Nash critiqued Punk’s performance from Raw last Monday. He thought Punk looked slow and like he was “done.”

“I watched Punk in the main event of that match last Monday. Number one: if you’re the Heavyweight Champion of the WWE and you wrestle in a T-shirt — ouch,” Nash said. “Number two: his punches looked really slow. He looked slow. I think it’s time for him, I think he’s done. I think Bron should beat him.”

The tag match from last week saw Austin Theory & Bronson Reed defeat Rey Mysterio & Punk. Following the match, Punk was laid out by a spear from Breakker.

Punk vs. Breakker is happening on the same Raw episode that will have a crossover with the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things.” The episode will also celebrate the one-year anniversary of Raw coming to Netflix.

Nash, a WWE Hall of Famer, was once rivals with Punk on-screen with Nash playing a role in the Punk vs. Triple H rivalry that took place in 2011.

Daily Update: TJPW tour, DDP-Bron Breakker, Deadlock Pro

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer is up on the site covering the follow topics:

  • The story of John Cena’s retirement, the finish, the reaction, what WWE did and didn’t expect and thoughts on why they did what they did and why judging it now makes little sense in the big picture. We look at different aspects of the decision making and the fallacy of the “time-honored tradition phrasing here. We look at where Cena viably stands among the greats, the show itself, and Cena’s legacy.
  • We look at the post-match and post-show reaction, Paul Levesque and also look at the history of retirement matches with the biggest names in the history of the business. This is a real history lesson about what really is the tradition.
  • We have a story on Wrestle Kingdom’s card, why it turned out this way, as well as the finals of the New Japan tag team tournament.
  • We update the WBD sale story with the latest on Netflix and Paramount, just how strongly WBD publicly viewed the Paramount offer in a negative way and more
  • We run down the 2025 Tokyo Sports pro wrestling awards, with the winners, why they won, how the voting went, the nature of the voting and more in a year Saya Kamitani became the first woman wrestler to win MVP
  • A look at the retirement show and the career of El Hijo del Santo, the Santo gimmick, the cultural significance of the Santo name, Santo Jr, and notes on Santo’s career and most famous matches
  • We update the Continental Classic and Worlds Collide with business updates as well.
  • We look at the odds for upcoming matches
  • We look at the careers of Solomon Grundy, Miss Janeth and Ricky Romero Jr/Ricky Youngblood
  • We have the most detailed look at the television ratings of all the wrestling shows this past week as well as placings, comparisons and more, as well as an explanation of what the annual drops actually mean.
  • We look at another week of sellouts in CMLL, including the big Friday show and the Mistico vs Soberano feud
  • We look at Guerra de Titanes from AAA
  • We look at the financials from Cyberfight and what wrestler in specific they credited a better economic year to
  • Yota Tsuji talks the future of New Japan
  • What pro wrestling events in Japan were the most streamed in 2025
  • Update on Andrade
  • Former WWE tag champ going into Bare Knuckle boxing
  • Major AEW overseas ratings growth
  • Ticket sales to upcoming WWE and AEW shows
  • Chris Jericho update
  • Injury updates
  • Ilia Topuria marriage issues slows down career
  • An appeal by TKO on judge’s ruling about current fighter contracts
  • Notes on Paul vs. Joshua
  • Mick Foley breaks ties with WWE over Trump
  • TKO stock skyrockets
  • NXT Awards

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Chelsea Green vs. Sol Ruca Women’s United States Championship match that headlined NXT last night.
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Diamond Dallas Page discussed working with Bron Breakker while Breakker was still pursuing a career in football:
    • Really got to know him when he was finishing up playing at Kennesaw [State University] football, because he got [signed] by the Baltimore Ravens. You know, it would have been funny if he would have made that team, I think – first of all, it was the greatest thing to happen to him that he didn’t, but he had that shot.
    • And he knew right away. I was working with him, we trained together a lot. And I don’t mean in the ring – I mean in the gym. He wasn’t afraid to do DDP Yoga. He wanted to do it with me. All them, all those Steiner brothers, man, his two other brothers – beasts. Maveric’s a beast. Hudson is an animal as well. And then you go to Brandon and you got Brock with Scotty Steiner.
    • I love that so many of the boys’ sons are just real gentlemen. And to be able to watch Bronson, yeah, okay, he’s always going to be Bronson to me, you know? Wow. He has it in spades, and they’ve seen it since the beginning.
  • DDP added that he would love to see Breakker become World Champion:
    • I would love to see that, man. I haven’t talked to him probably in about a month or two, but humble, feet on the ground. And you gotta know who you are, you know? You don’t forget that. But you want to always try to keep your feet on the ground, because that’s the guys who continue to excel.
  • Responding to someone on X, Paul Heyman gave credit to Evolve’s Gabe Sapolsky for discovering Austin Theory:
    • For the record, @BookItGabe deserves all the credit for the discovery of [Austin Theory]. As Executive Director of @WWE #RAW in 2019/2020, I drafted Theory from @WWENXT for (ironically enough) @WWERollins’ group. Now, he’s a seasoned veteran with a chip on his shoulder ready to step into the spotlight. 
    • But the credit for discovering Theory goes to Gabe!
  • Bayley gifted Lyra Valkyria a life-size Bayley cutout for Christmas.
  • Billboard spoke with WWE wrestlers Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Chelsea Green about their favorite music moments.
  • Nick Hogan’s wife Tana shared a throwback photo with Hulk Hogan from this time in 2024: “This was a year ago today. We miss you so much Big Dog, so much. @nickhogan @mrs.sky.hogan”
  • WWE Vault has a compilation video documenting the rise of Steve Austin from 1996-1997.

Other Wrestling

  • Former WWE broadcaster Scott Stanford interviewed Tony Khan for 1010 Wins radio in New York City.
  • While speaking with WrestleZone, Harley Cameron discussed how she’s benefited from working with Mercedes Mone:
    • She has allowed me this year to dig deep and push to a different level. Obviously, she’s one of the greatest to ever do it, and having the opportunity to work with her has been imperative to my career. It’s definitely highlighted me and given me opportunities, which is exactly what someone with that kind of star power can do.
    • Being in the ring with her multiple times has pushed me to think outside the box and challenge myself. So I’d say it’s more inspiration than advice, per se. I’m obviously very excited to face her again at the pay-per-view, Worlds End. I’m hoping it will once again bring out that deep-level performance from me.
  • Good Karma Wrestling also spoke with Cameron ahead of Worlds End.
  • In an article for Giant Bomb, Adam Cole ranked his top 10 video games of the year.
  • Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling is coming to Texas for four shows taking place from March 17-22, 2026. Billed as TJPW’s “largest US tour in history,” there will be stops in Austin, Houston, and Dallas. Full information will be announced at a later date, but the Austin events are part of the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) festival:
    • TJPW will run its largest US tour in history ‘TJPW Texas Stampede’ in March 2026.
    • 4 shows will take place in Austin, Houston, and Dallas from Tuesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 22. Specific dates, times, venues, and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
    • TJPW lands in Austin for the first time ever, and will run shows over 2 days at South by Southwest, one of the largest conference/festival events in the world that celebrates the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture.
  • Indie promotion Deadlock Pro Wrestling – which is going on hiatus for the foreseeable future – raised more than $4,000 to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina:
    • Our last event in the US, DPW 4th Anniversary, was a fundraiser event for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina as we head into the holiday season & the new year. We came together as a community and we were able to donate over 20,000 meals! Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to the cause. Happy holidays everyone!
  • Chris Masters will make his GCW debut in Los Angeles on February 14.
  • Denise Salcedo has an interview with D-Von Dudley.

Fight Game: What will keep WWE hot in 2026?

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most interesting topics in pro wrestling this week.

After doing our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down segment, we hit on our major topics of the week which included:

  • Austin Theory unmasking
  • If WWE can stay hot in 2026 and how
  • AEW Continental Classic update
  • AEW Worlds End lineup thus far

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Interesting name emerges as potential favorite to win WWE Royal Rumble match

Posted on by Josh Nason

With next month’s WWE Royal Rumble less than two months away, the planning is underway for both the men’s and women’s Rumble matches themselves.

On Thursday’s WrestleVotes Radio, it was reported that Bron Breakker has emerged as the current “whiteboard favorite” to win the match. That reference is a nod to the board seen during WWE Unreal where creative decisions and plans are written out.

Breakker will challenge WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk on the January 5 Raw as part of his growing role of importance on the main roster — one that has only increased since he aligned with Paul Heyman this year in The Vision.

The 28-year-old son of Rick Steiner is a former two-time WWE Intercontinental champion, former two-time NXT Champion, and former NXT Tag Team Champion (with Baron Corbin).

Next year’s show is set for Saturday, January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — the first time the annual event has headed overseas.

WWE Survivor Series notes: Bron Breakker update, attendance, celebrities, Stephanie Vaquer

Posted on by Josh Nason

Bron Breakker was on the receiving end of a scary looking bump early in the men’s WarGames match that closed Saturday’s WWE Survivor Series (seen below).

Breakker landed right on his neck after a CM Punk/Cody Rhodes Doomsday Device. He wasn’t involved for several minutes and then got back in it, eventually getting the final pinfall after hitting Punk with a running spear.

Our Bryan Alvarez is reporting that Breakker was being checked out in medical after the match and was then cleared. Breakker appeared on the post-show without looking worse for wear.

Survivor Series attendance

WWE announced a record Survivor Series attendance of 46,016 for Petco Park in San Diego, California.

Stephanie Vaquer

There were just two title defense on the show with WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer leaving San Diego with her title reign intact after defeating Nikki Bella. The other match saw Dominik Mysterio regain his Intercontinental title from John Cena thanks to Liv Morgan’s surprise return.

Celebrities

Musicians Lil Yachty, Adriel Favela, Cassie B & Jesus Ortiz Paz, boxer Andy Ruiz, San Diego Padres pitcher Jeremiah Estrada, and actors Gabriel Luna and Danielle Fishel (Topanga from Boy Meets World) were all shown on screen.