AJ Styles Challenges CM Punk For Title Before GUNTHER Match at WWE RAW!
On the January 26, 2026 episode of WWE Raw, broadcast live from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, AJ Styles delivered one of his most emotional promos in recent years. The Phenomenal One opened the show by addressing the WWE Universe, reflecting on his storied career and admitting that 2026 could mark his final year in the ring. Despite previously hinting at retirement, Styles insisted he still had plenty left to give and aimed to capture the World Heavyweight Championship one last time.
Styles directly called out GUNTHER, dismissing The Ring General as talented but not on his level. He referenced their upcoming clash at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where his WWE career hangs in the balance due to the career-threatening stipulation imposed by GUNTHER. The crowd erupted as Styles declared his intent to defy the odds and continue his legacy beyond the premium live event.
Suddenly, World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk’s music hit, interrupting Styles mid-sentence. Punk marched to the ring with the title over his shoulder, earning a massive ovation from the Toronto faithful. The two legends, who share over two decades of mutual respect and rivalry from their independent days, stood face-to-face in a moment charged with emotion and tension.
Punk expressed genuine admiration for Styles but questioned the wisdom of risking everything against GUNTHER. He reminded Styles that a loss at Royal Rumble would end his WWE tenure forever, potentially robbing fans of more classic matches. Punk emphasized that Styles deserved better than to fade away quietly, urging him to seize every opportunity while he could.
Styles fired back, accusing Punk of doubting his ability to win big matches. The exchange grew heated as Styles challenged Punk’s claim of being a fighting champion. He proposed an immediate showdown on Raw—if he defeated Punk, he would prove he could overcome GUNTHER and position himself as the top contender for the title afterward. The crowd chanted for the match, amplifying the drama.
Punk paused, then agreed to defend the World Heavyweight Championship right then and there. He stressed that any clash between them would be for the gold, honoring his promise to defend against all comers since winning the belt in November 2025. General Manager Adam Pearce quickly made it official, turning the impromptu challenge into the night’s main event.
The buildup to the match highlighted the contrasting paths of both men. Styles, fresh off a victory over Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event, carried momentum into Raw. He has long been regarded as one of WWE’s most reliable performers, blending athleticism, storytelling, and resilience. Many fans viewed this as potentially Styles’ final shot at glory on the red brand.
CM Punk, meanwhile, has enjoyed a dominant reign as champion. After defeating Bron Breakker earlier in the year, Punk positioned himself as the cornerstone of Raw’s main event scene. His return to WWE has been marked by intense rivalries and high-profile defenses, making him the perfect foil for Styles’ emotional plea.
As the main event approached, the arena buzzed with anticipation. This marked the first singles match between Punk and Styles on WWE television, a dream bout fans had clamored for since both arrived in the company. Commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee hyped the historical significance, noting how both men redefined wrestling in their eras.
The bell rang, and the two delivered a technical masterpiece. Styles started strong with his signature agility, hitting quick strikes and a beautiful dropkick that sent Punk reeling. Punk countered with his trademark brawling style, targeting Styles’ legs to slow the Phenomenal One’s pace. The crowd remained split, cheering both icons throughout.
Mid-match, Styles connected with a Phenomenal Forearm attempt, but Punk rolled away at the last second. Punk capitalized with a series of GTS teases, building suspense. Styles reversed a Pepsi Plunge attempt into a Calf Crusher, forcing Punk to fight for the ropes. The near-falls mounted, each pin attempt drawing louder reactions from the audience.
In the closing moments, Punk dodged a springboard move and hit a vicious knee strike. He followed with the Go To Sleep, planting Styles in the center of the ring. Punk covered for the three-count, retaining the World Heavyweight Championship. The Toronto crowd gave both men a standing ovation for their effort, acknowledging the classic they had witnessed.
Post-match, Punk helped Styles to his feet in a show of respect. The two embraced briefly, with Punk raising Styles’ hand as a sign of solidarity. Styles exited the ring slowly, soaking in the cheers, perhaps sensing the weight of his upcoming career-defining match against GUNTHER.
Later in the show, a sit-down interview with GUNTHER aired. The Ring General reiterated his reasoning for the career stipulation, claiming veterans like Styles block new generations from shining. He promised to end Styles’ run decisively at Royal Rumble, ensuring no comeback would be possible.
The episode closed with Royal Rumble hype packages, spotlighting entrants like Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and others. Styles’ challenge to Punk served as the perfect go-home moment, adding layers to his story heading into Saturday’s event. Fans now wonder if Styles can defy the odds, defeat GUNTHER, and extend his career—or if this Raw title loss signals the beginning of the end.
This Raw episode underscored WWE’s commitment to long-term storytelling. Styles’ vulnerability, combined with Punk’s championship integrity, created compelling television. The match not only delivered in-ring quality but also heightened anticipation for the Royal Rumble, where Styles’ future hangs in the balance.
Word count: approximately 820. The event captured the essence of WWE’s blend of athleticism, drama, and legacy, leaving fans eagerly awaiting Saturday’s outcome in Riyadh. Whether Styles triumphs or retires, his challenge to Punk ensured he left an indelible mark on Raw’s history.
