WWE Raw from Belfast delivered one of the most eventful episodes of the year, with Royal Rumble implications dominating the night, a career-threatening challenge made official, and the World Heavyweight Championship defended in a dramatic main event.
Last night’s Raw opened with Gunther making his way to the ring to a mixed reaction from the Belfast crowd. Calm but cutting, the Ring General told fans to settle down before turning his attention to last week’s controversial match with AJ Styles.
Gunther said Styles made a fatal mistake by becoming obsessed with forcing a tapout rather than remembering who he was facing. He reminded everyone that he is the man who lasted one hour, eleven minutes and forty six seconds in last year’s Royal Rumble and declared his intention to win the match again this year.
Styles interrupted and demanded a rematch at the Royal Rumble, but Gunther dismissed the request outright, saying he had no interest in pulling double duty. As Gunther attempted to leave, Styles pushed further, accusing him of fear and reminding him that he tapped out last week when the referee was not looking.
Gunther stopped on the ramp, returned to the ring and laid out his terms. If Styles wanted his rematch, he would have to put his entire career on the line. Gunther told Styles to think carefully, questioning whether this was truly a hill worth dying on before walking away and leaving the challenge hanging.
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri
The mood shifted as Becky Lynch defended the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Maxxine Dupri, with Natalya at ringside.
Dupri surprised early, taking the fight to the champion with aggression and athleticism, including a senton to the outside that rattled Lynch. The champion weathered the storm and slowed the pace, targeting Dupri with neckbreakers and repeated trips into the barricade.
Dupri rallied back after the break, stacking suplexes and leg drops while repeatedly threatening to score the upset. She countered Lynch’s armbar attempts and even locked in an ankle lock that had the crowd on edge.
The turning point came when Dupri climbed the ropes for what looked like the winning move. Natalya suddenly placed Lynch’s foot on the bottom rope to break the pin, stunning Dupri and drawing gasps from the crowd. Seconds later, Lynch capitalised with a Man Handle Slam to retain the title.
After the bell, Natalya brutalised Dupri, stomping her down and locking in a Sharpshooter until officials finally pulled her away.
Winner: Becky Lynch
Jey Uso wasted no time once he hit the ring. He told Belfast that the tag division had already been put on notice, and now the rest of the locker room was next. Jey officially declared himself for the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble, dropped a final “yeet,” and exited as quickly as he arrived.
The Vision (Austin Theory, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul) vs. Dragon Lee, Rey Mysterio and Penta
A chaotic six-man tag followed as The Vision clashed with Dragon Lee, Rey Mysterio and Penta. Adam Pearce and Paul Heyman watched closely from ringside as the match unfolded at breakneck speed.
The Vision controlled stretches through brute force and underhanded tactics, isolating Dragon Lee and wearing him down with frequent tags. Rey and Penta provided bursts of momentum, flying over the ropes to wipe out the opposition on the floor.
Late chaos erupted when Logan Paul attempted to sneak brass knuckles to Austin Theory. Pearce intercepted them, distracting the referee. Rey seized the opening to strike Theory with the knuckles, allowing Penta to connect with the Mexican Destroyer for the win.
Winners: Penta, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky addressed the Belfast crowd, officially declaring for the Women’s Royal Rumble while hyping their upcoming title defence. Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez responded, vowing to bring championship gold back to Judgment Day and positioning themselves as future WrestleMania threats.
Raquel Rodriguez then blindsided the champions, planting Sky with a Texana Bomb. Ripley fought back until Morgan struck with Oblivion, leaving bodies strewn and tensions high.
A quiet backstage moment saw Lyra Valkyria admit her frustration to Bayley after recent tag team setbacks. Bayley reassured her partner, insisting she had nothing to apologise for, and the two shared a long embrace that stood out amid the night’s chaos.
El Grande Americano vs. Je’Von Evans
Je’Von Evans looked sharp early against El Grande Americano, using speed and aggression to take control. Momentum shifted when Evans crashed hard into the barricade, leaving officials checking on him during the break.
Upon return, Evans was ruled medically unable to continue, handing Americano the victory by referee stoppage.
Winner: El Grande Americano via referee stoppage
Backstage, Styles informed Adam Pearce that he had made his decision. He would face Gunther at the Royal Rumble and put his career on the line. The declaration carried heavy weight as the Royal Rumble season took a dramatic turn.
WWE World Heavyweight Title Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Balor
The main event saw CM Punk defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor in a hard-hitting contest.
Balor targeted Punk relentlessly, mixing precision kicks with aerial attacks and repeatedly threatening the Coup De Grace. Punk absorbed punishment and answered back with backbreakers, elbows and multiple GTS attempts.
Balor finally landed Coup De Grace, but Punk kicked out to a roar from the crowd. Summoning everything he had left, Punk hoisted Balor up once more and delivered a definitive GTS to retain the title.
After the bell, Punk offered respect, helping Balor to his feet and raising his arm. Balor stared back at the champion as Punk held the title aloft and Raw faded out with WrestleMania season firmly underway.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Punk helped Balor to his feet and raised his arm in respect as the show ended.
