Brock Lesnar Returns To Help Bron Breakker Defeat CM Punk and Win the World Heavyweight Championship
In a stunning turn of events on the first Monday Night Raw of 2026, Brock Lesnar made his long-awaited return to WWE, altering the course of the World Heavyweight Championship match. The Beast Incarnate intervened decisively, aiding Bron Breakker in dethroning CM Punk.
This episode, broadcast live on Netflix from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, marked a dramatic shift in the Raw landscape.
CM Punk entered the ring as the defending champion, having captured the title at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November 2025. He defeated Jey Uso for the vacant belt after Seth Rollins relinquished it due to injury.
Punk’s reign, though brief at just over two months, had been marked by intense rivalries and bold promos asserting his status as the “Best in the World.”
Bron Breakker, the rising star and son of wrestling legend Rick Steiner, earned his title shot by pinning Punk in the Men’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series 2025. Breakker’s team, including Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar, triumphed over Punk’s squad.
This victory set the stage for what WWE hyped as an epic clash to kick off the new year.
The match began with high energy, as Punk used his veteran savvy to counter Breakker’s raw power. Early exchanges saw Punk landing sharp strikes and submission attempts, forcing Breakker to rely on his athleticism. The crowd erupted with chants for both competitors, reflecting the generational divide in this showdown.
As the bout progressed, Breakker showcased his signature moves, including a devastating spear that nearly ended the match. Punk resiliently kicked out, drawing on his experience from past title defenses. The champion then applied his Anaconda Vise, putting immense pressure on Breakker’s arm and testing the challenger’s endurance.
Midway through, the pace intensified with near-falls keeping fans on edge. Punk attempted his Go To Sleep finisher, but Breakker reversed it into a powerful gorilla press slam. This moment shifted momentum, as Breakker began dominating with suplexes reminiscent of his family’s wrestling heritage.
Just when Punk seemed poised for a comeback, the arena lights dimmed slightly, and Brock Lesnar’s music hit. The Beast stormed the ring, his first appearance since SummerSlam 2025. Lesnar had been absent amid rumors of retirement and legal discussions, making his return electrifying.
Lesnar immediately targeted Punk, delivering a brutal F-5 outside the ring. The referee, distracted by the chaos, failed to notice the interference fully. Breakker capitalized, dragging a dazed Punk back in and hitting another spear for the pinfall victory.
The Barclays Center crowd reacted with a mix of shock and excitement as Breakker was crowned the new World Heavyweight Champion. Lesnar stood tall beside him, raising Breakker’s arm in a symbolic passing of the torch. This alliance hints at a new dominant force on Raw.
Post-match, Punk lay in the ring, clutching his ribs and glaring at the duo. Medical personnel checked on him, but Punk waved them off, storming backstage in frustration. His brief second reign ended abruptly, tying the record for multiple holds of the title.
Breakker’s win positions him as a cornerstone of WWE’s future. At just 28 years old, he becomes one of the youngest world champions in recent history. His powerhouse style, combined with Lesnar’s mentorship, could lead to an extended title run.
Lesnar’s involvement raises questions about his long-term plans. Reports suggest he is scheduled for the Royal Rumble on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Speculation abounds that this return might set up a WrestleMania 42 matchup, possibly against Gunther or another top contender.
WWE officials have remained tight-lipped, but Paul Heyman, who announced the match weeks prior, was seen smirking ringside. Heyman’s history with both Lesnar and Breakker adds layers to this unfolding storyline, potentially reviving his managerial role.
The episode also featured other highlights, including a tag team bout between The Kabuki Warriors and Damage CTRL. However, the championship change overshadowed everything, drawing record viewership for Raw’s Netflix era anniversary.
Analysts predict this event will fuel rivalries leading into Royal Rumble. Punk may seek revenge, possibly entering the 30-man match to reclaim his spot. Breakker, meanwhile, must defend against emerging threats like Drew McIntyre or Seth Rollins upon his return.
Lesnar’s physical condition appeared peak, dispelling retirement rumors fueled by John Cena’s recent comments. Cena hinted at Lesnar bowing out after SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis, but this intervention suggests otherwise.
Breakker addressed the crowd briefly post-show, declaring himself the “baddest dog in WWE.” His words echoed confidence, backed by Lesnar’s imposing presence. This duo could dominate Raw, challenging established stars.
Punk’s loss might pivot him toward a heel turn or a pursuit of other titles. His charisma ensures he’ll remain central to WWE narratives, perhaps clashing with Lesnar directly in the future.
Overall, this Raw episode redefined the World Heavyweight Championship picture. Breakker’s ascension, aided by Lesnar’s shock return, promises an explosive 2026 filled with high-stakes drama and athletic spectacles.
As WWE heads toward Royal Rumble, the implications of this match reverberate. Fans eagerly await how alliances form and feuds ignite in the road to WrestleMania.
In retrospect, the hype package set to Des Rocs’ “The Land” perfectly captured the intensity. It portrayed Punk as the defiant veteran and Breakker as the unstoppable force, culminating in reality exceeding expectations.
This championship change underscores WWE’s blend of nostalgia and new talent. Lesnar’s return bridges eras, while Breakker represents the next generation ready to lead.
