WWE RAW Recap (01/26/2026): Highlights and Lowlights
Disappointment: Natty’s Missed Opportunity for a Heel Turn
In last week’s episode, Natalya had a chance to turn heel spectacularly in front of her Canadian audience, but the moment fell flat. She abruptly shifted allegiances by interfering in Maxine Dupri’s match against Becky Lynch, but rather than delivering her big announcement live, it was relegated to a video segment. This missed a great opportunity for a stronger in-ring promo, especially in her home country, where she could have connected better with the crowd. Her character’s new direction had potential, but the delivery was underwhelming.
Written by Samantha Shipman
Favorite: A Swinging Six-Man Tag Match
The preceding weekend’s Saturday Night Main Event featured Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY defending their Women’s Tag Team Titles in a match that had some outside interference. However, the subsequent “RAW” six-man tag match involving all three women from Judgment Day was a hit, delivering a cleaner and more captivating performance. It had high stakes without the interruptions, resulting in a thrilling finish—proving that when the action is straightforward, it can still deliver exceptional entertainment.
Written by Miles Schneiderman
Frustration: Lackluster Confrontation
Fans were left disappointed after a highly anticipated face-off between Bron Breaker and General Manager Adam Pearce turned out to be underwhelming. The segment failed to deliver any significant tension or drama, concluding instead with an announcement about the Royal Rumble. The buildup had promised much more, leading to a feeling of letdown among viewers who were expecting a more explosive interaction, particularly given the history between the two.
Written by Olivia Quinlan
Highlight: A Dream Match Takes Center Stage
This week offered fans something special with AJ Styles and CM Punk sharing the spotlight in a main event that brought nostalgia and excitement. Although it lacked the fiery energy of their past encounters, the match still served as a dream scenario for long-time fans. The anticipation built as they teased a potential singles match that could rekindle their storied rivalry, creating an important moment in the current wrestling landscape.
Written by Max Everett
Disappointment: Dream Match Ends in DQ
Just when the excitement peaked, Finn Balor’s unexpected interference ruined the electrifying main event. This bait-and-switch tactic frustrated fans who were craving a solid finish to the highly anticipated clash between Styles and Punk. Balor’s attack overshadowed the match, making it feel like yet another instance where WWE fell back on disqualifications to extend storytelling rather than delivering conclusive results.
Written by Max Everett
Intrigue: Finn Balor’s Evolving Character
Finn Balor’s storyline continues to captivate fans as it teeters between heel and babyface dynamics. Following his prior encounter with CM Punk, Balor’s recent actions hinted at a deeper narrative, creating anticipation for his next moves and engagement with the Royal Rumble. The uncertainty surrounding his character trajectory keeps viewers engaged, eager to see how his story unfolds amidst the larger wrestling landscape.
Written by Daisy Ruth
Editorial Opinion
This week’s WWE RAW highlights the ongoing struggle between captivating storytelling and predictable tropes, making it crucial for wrestling fans. The potential developments for characters like Natalya and Finn Balor serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of pro wrestling, impacting not only current storylines but also the future direction of the sport.
