The January 5 edition of WWE Raw will have plenty of eyes on the show as the first episode of the year and some major matches announced.
With Raw celebrating the one-year anniversary since their Netflix premiere, it would not be surprising if some significant changes took place.
In front of a sold-out crowd at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, this episode should offer some interesting developments that have ramifications on the red brand for the rest of 2026.
Here are seven potential changes to the first WWE Raw of 2026.
7. Liv Morgan’s In-Ring Return Against Lyra Valkyria
At WWE Survivor Series 2025, Liv Morgan made her return to the company for the first time since suffering a dislocated shoulder injury in June.
Helping Dominik Mysterio defeat John Cena to become a two-time Intercontinental Champion, Morgan showed just how much she can cause some results to go in the favor of The Judgment Day.
In the weeks since her return, fans have not seen the former WWE Women’s World Champion step in the squared circle for in-ring competition as of yet.
After recently making her in-ring comeback on a house show, it is time for Liv Morgan to get back to business on WWE TV when she faces Lyra Valkyria in singles action on the January 5 Raw, which should see her get back into contention for gold.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Presentation Change To Celebrate The One Year Anniversary & Stranger Things Crossover
Upon their premiere on Netflix, WWE Raw underwent some aesthetic changes with the presentation of the show.
Whether it be their new logo or the black mats, these adjustments help to make a new identity for the Monday night flagship show.
The one-year anniversary should see some kind of presentation change once more to mark the beginning of the new year along with the Stranger Things crossover.
With some inclusion of Stranger Things involved, fans should see some presentation adjustments that make things slightly different from how the show looked throughout 2025.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Chad Gable Comes Back To Confront El Grande Americano
Recent reports have indicated that Chad Gable is on his way back to action after suffering an undisclosed arm injury in the summer of 2025.
After being seen working out and looking considerably more jacked than ever, Gable could come back with a renewed push, but he does have some unfinished business.
Prior to his injury absence, Gable was considered one of the closest friends of El Grande Americano.
Despite some changes that have happened for the character, fans would love to see Gable interact with Americano and potentially confront him, leading to a singles match sometime down the road.
Click the next page button below for more
4. The Usos Look To Re-establish The Raw Tag Team Division As World Tag Team Champions
On the December 29 edition of WWE Raw, The Usos defeated AJ Styles and Dragon Lee to win the World Tag Team Championships.
Marking their ninth time as World Tag Team Champions, Jimmy and Jey Uso will look to revitalize the Raw tag scene that has been dormant for much of the past year.
Now with The Usos at the helm, the title picture should get more attention and lead to some intriguing matchups for the gold.
The Usos reestablishing the Raw tag team division could be an ongoing story that fans see take shape before their eyes in the weeks and months to come.
Click the next page button below for more
3. New NXT Talent Make Their Main Roster Debut
On the January 2 episode of WWE SmackDown, Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace of NXT made their main roster debuts.
With recent weeks seeing more and more stars from the NXT brand arriving on the main roster, it would not be surprising to see some more on Monday’s Raw.
The January 5 edition of Monday Night Raw should mark some arrivals that will add some much needed depth to the roster.
Whether it be NXT North American Champion Ethan Page or the current NXT Champion Oba Femi, Raw getting some necessary additions from Tuesday nights could revive the roster in a significant way.
Click the next page button below for more
2. A New Member Of The Vision Revealed To Help Bron Breakker Become World Heavyweight Champion
The main event of the January 5 WWE Raw will see CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Title against Bron Breakker.
Heading into this title showdown, The Vision has undergone changes, recently adding both Logan Paul and Austin Theory to the faction.
With Breakker looking to bring the top prize on Raw back to the group, fans could see a new member being revealed that helps this goal come to fruition.
Whether it be someone like Montez Ford or an established singles star like GUNTHER, a new member of The Vision could be the difference maker that helps Bron Breakker realize his mission statement and win the World Heavyweight Title.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Chris Jericho Returns
Following AEW Worlds End 2025, reports started to circulate that Chris Jericho was finishing up with All Elite Wrestling with his contract expiring on December 31, 2025.
Then, it was revealed that Jericho was expected to make a surprise return to WWE as early as the January 5 edition of Monday Night Raw.
After Raw GM Adam Pearce teased this by using the phrase “Break The Walls Down” during a recent social media video, it seems like Jericho could be making his comeback to WWE on Monday’s broadcast from Brooklyn, New York.
Jericho returning should dramatically shift things on Monday Night Raw moving forward as 2026 gets underway.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…