Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 30, 2026

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody states that Jacob Fatu found that he was not the guy he thought he was before Drew McIntyre spoiled the fun, and states that Drew McIntyre may have won the title, but not the most important thing that comes with it. He says that Drew McIntyre likes to disguise his wit, but at the same time, he has dropped the ball. After entertaining the idea of winning the Royal Rumble a third time, Cody mentions Drew McIntyre's upcoming title defense against Sami Zayn. He also entertains the idea of facing CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, stating that they have to do it eventually, then says he needs all the belief in the world for the Royal Rumble due to the experience that he has in it. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring. Orton tells Cody that he respects everything that he has done for the industry and understands how much it hurt when he lost the WWE Championship, and knows that a desperate Cody Rhodes is dangerous. He then says there is nothing more dangerous than a viper chasing "number fifteen," and tomorrow night, they will not be friends of brothers, and when he gets the chance, he will toss Cody over the top rope without hesitation. Orton tells Cody that he is not the only one to win the Royal Rumble twice before "Main Event" Jey Uso runs down the ramp to the ring. After Jey Uso states that he is winning his second consecutive Royal Rumble match and becoming World Heavyweight Champion again, Samy Zayn heads to the ring. Sami addresses the crowd in Arabic, then knows that he is in the ring with three of the absolute best right now. He says that tomorrow night is the culmination of three stories - winning the WWE Championship, finally beating Drew McIntyre, and never losing in Saudi Arabia - bubbling up for years. He tells Orton, Cody and Jey that if any of them win the Royal Rumble, it will be him, not McIntyre, waiting on the other side. Suddenly, The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) show up, and Paul Heyman proclaims that Sami will not be champion and that Orton, Cody and Jey will not win the Rumble. Heyman then proclaims that tomorrow night will be Bron Breakker's night, then Orton tells Heyman to shut up and dares The Vision to pull their heads out of Heyman's ass, get in the ring, and get a Saudi Arabian ass kicking. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes this eight-man tag match official for tonight.

Carmelo Hayes' open challenge opponent is revealed to be Rey Fenix.

Carmelo Hayes retains the WWE United States Championship against Rey Fenix.

Backstage, Ilja Dragunov is met by The Miz, who lies and says that Carmelo Hayes came to him to protect the United States Championship. Dragunov says he does not know if Miz is working with Carmelo or not, but tonight, he will entertain.

We see footage from The Pat McAfee Show where Brock Lesnar declares for the men's Royal Rumble match.

Backstage, R-Truth makes ball jokes as he spins the Royal Rumble tumbler. Damian Priest shows up, and General Manager Nick Aldis says that Priest is in the Royal Rumble. Priest gets his number, and upon seeing it, says it just gives him more time to throw fools out.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Drew McIntyre, who says that Sami Zayn will always stick his stupid foot in his stupid mouth and get himself in an eight-man tag match. He says he will be watching, and tells Sami that he will do whatever it takes to keep his title before asking if Sami will do whatever it takes to keep it from him.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Rhea says that they understand it is every woman for themselves in the Royal Rumble, but they will still be friends afterwards. As Iyo says they can handle the Rumble, Kiana James and Giulia show up. Kiana says their friendship will be their undoing, and that Giulia will soon become a triple champion. Lash Legend and Nia Jax say that everyone is getting ahead of themselves, as they are both entering the rumble, and that they have the winners for the women's tag titles. Everyone soon argues with each other.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss head to the ring. Charlotte says that she is winning the Royal Rumble and main eventing WrestleMania, and that there is no one else she would like to have her back. Alexa says she had the same plan, and Charlotte takes this as support before saying she is doing the same thing. Charlotte says she has won the Rumble twice, but Alexa Bliss says she has making history in Saudi Arabia on her side. Charlotte says it is every woman for herself, but Alexa admits that both of them will not need each others' help and that not everything is about Charlotte.Charlotte and Alexa asks each other if they will toss each other over the top rope, then Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez show up. Liv Morgan says that while Charlotte and Alexa are busy backstabbing each other, one of the three of them will win the Royal Rumble, but Alexa tells Liv that relying on friends is not really a plan before Charlotte tells the three of them to get in the ring. Liv teases getting in the ring with them, then says they have better things to do before General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes a tag team match between the three of them against Charlotte and Alexa that begins right now.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez) after Stephanie Vaquer shows up and takes out Raquel Rodriguez to stop her from distracting Charlotte from the ring apron.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jordynne Grace, who says that the Royal Rumble can change one's life and that she is betting on herself to win and face Jade Cargill. She is suddenly attacked by Jade Cargill, and both women brawl as referees try to break things up.

Backstage, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae are met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who declares that Candice is banned from ringside and that if Axiom wins, he will get his blue mask back.

Axiom beats Johnny Gargano. During the match, Gargano rips Axiom's mask off, but Axiom puts his blue mask on and hits the Golden Ratio to win the match and his mask.

Backstage, Carmelo Hayes meets with Ilja Dragunov and says that he has nothing to do with The Miz. Dragunov says he will go out and fight Miz, and give Miz the same chance that he gave Carmelo.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Trick Williams. Trick shows off his shoes, then says that the fans love him all over the world as he puts on a show, and that Royal Rumble will be no different. He declares that he will be the last man standing in the ring with his sights set on championship gold.

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring. Styles tells the fans not to worry about tomorrow, because he is not worried. Styles tells the fans he will knock Gunther's teeth down his throat, and when he beats him, he will start his retirement tour and get his "one more times" against Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. As he states that he also wants to face CM Punk one more time, Gunther interrupts, and while he appreciates Styles fantasizing about his future, he says that none of that will happen, as Styles made such a severe mistake that it will cost him his career. Gunther proclaims that tomorrow, he will end Styles' career and do it the same way he did John Cena: making him tap out. Styles says it takes one to know one, and reminds Gunther that he tapped out to the Calf Crusher like a little bitch. Gunther takes off his jacket and angrily gets on the ring apron, then steps down and leaves.

Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura is met by Tama Tonga. Tama says Nakamura used to be the man and that the Nakamura he knew would have beaten "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, then tells him to follow Styles on his way out. Nakamura says Tama has confidence, but he is still a young punk. He then says he will see him in the ring next week.

Ilja Dragunov beats The Miz after hitting him out of the air with Torpedo Moscow before hitting the H-Bomb for the win.

We hear from The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo). Solo said he did what he said he would do, and now he has Bray Wyatt's lantern and the WWE Tag Team Championships. He says that he took everything Uncle Howdy loved away. He then declares that the tag team titles are not for him, but his family, and tomorrow, he will take back the WWE Champinoship. The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) interrupt the promo, with Bo Dallas saying that Solo Sikoa has not won and is underestimating the weight of sacrifice. He says that the lantern and the tag team titles will come back to them, and when they do, the millions of fireflies around the world will illuminate Solo's insecurities. He says that they will not just take back what is theirs, but ensure that Solo's greed is his demise.

The Vision (Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Sami Zayn and "Main Event" Jey Uso in an eight-man tag match ends with Drew McIntyre pulling Sami Zayn out of the ring as he goes for a Helluva Kick and attacking him on the outside in full view of the referee. After the match, McIntyre is about to attack Sami Zayn with the WWE Championship when Jacob Fatu's entrance theme hits. Jacob attacks McIntyre from behind, then Cody hits Jacob with a tope suicida and throws him into the ring post. McIntyre then attacks Cody, then gets him back in the ring for a Claymore before Sami intercepts him with a Helluva Kick. Sami then bends down to pick up the WWE Championship, but so does Cody Rhodes. Both of them are then Speared by Bron Breakker to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Final iMPACT! - iMPACT! recap for January 29, 2026

The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson, Cedric Alexander) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Myers says that what happened last week had to be done, and he reiterates this repeatedly before handing the microphone to Eddie. Eddie says that everyone has asked why they would turn their back on JDC and Moose, and says that Moose "is nothing more than a selfish prick" who only cares about himself. As for JDC, Edwards says that he only wanted to ride their coattails to the finish line of their career. Suddenly, Alisha Edwards shows up and confronts Eddie of keeping these plans from her, but Eddie says Alisha lets her emotions get the better of her. Alisha reminds Eddie that her contract is coming up and threatens to not renew and walk away, and Eddie tells her to either trust The System or she is out. Alisha says she does not want to be part of The System, and walks off.

Backstage, Gia Miller interviews BDE. BDE admits he is nervous for his match against "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, but he proves he is more than a YouTuber, influencer and fan when he steps into the ring with a world champion and proves that he belongs.

"The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth beats BDE. After the match, Ryan Nemeth shows up and calls Nic Nemeth "the greatest wrestler who has ever lived," then heads to the ring and calls out Mara Sadé. Mara shows up and heads to the ring, and Ryan Nemeth says that Mara has attacked him when he has done nothing to deserve it, and tells Mara to admit that he is the superior athlete and can beat her in anything, including wrestling, like he did at Genesis. Ryan tells Mara to shake his hand and admit he is better, but Mara says that Ryan only wants to feel like a big man and that Ryan had to play dirty to eke out a win. Ryan chalks this up to Mara being attracted to him, but when they shake hands, Mara attacks him after. Ryan blocks a superkick, then hits Mara with a clothesline before leaving the ring as referees check on Mara.

Backstage, The Personal Concierge George Iceman celebrates Ash by Elegance's comeback and The Elegance Brand's (The Personal Concierge George Iceman, Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance, Mr. Elegance) restoration, and it is revealed that Ash is now cleared to compete again. Lei Ying Lee shows up and tells Ash that if she wants a title shot, she can come and get it. Xia Brookside and Indi Hartwell also show up, and Ash challenges them and Lei Ying Lee to a six-woman tag match before Mr. Elegance poses and Indi steals the champagne.

Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo beats The Home Town Man after Arianna Grace refrains from helping Stacks and Stacks uses the ropes for leverage on a stack-up pinfall attempt, unbeknownst to Arianna, who cannot bear to watch as Stacks tries to get the win. After the match, Stacks lies and tells her he won legitimately.

As per the Bioflex Injury Report: Moose is out of action after being betrayed by The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson, Cedric Alexander) last week, and will be sidelined until further notice. Rich Swann is cleared for tonight's No Holds Barred match. Mara Sadé is currently under evaluation, with updates to come as more info is available.

Backstage, Arianna Grace congratulates Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo on his win. Stacks says they were supposed to take over TNA together, but Arianna says she wanted him to do this on his own. Stacks says he did it his way, then Director of Authority Santino Marella shows up. Arianna says that if Stacks will lie to her, then she will be making a mistake with him, too.

Elijah beats Jason Hotch despite interference from the rest of Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, John Skyler, Tasha Steelz, Special Agent Zero). After the match, John Skyler and Tasha Steelz attack Elijah, and they and Hotch hold Elijah down so that Mustafa can hit Elijah with his guitar. Elijah fights back and takes his guitar back, and Order 4 is sent into a retreat.

Backstage, we hear from Jada Stone, who is excited to be in TNA. Suddenly, she is interrupted by Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, John Skyler, Jason Hotch, Tasha Steelz, Special Agent Zero), and an angry Mustafa yells at her. Tasha confronts Jada when Jada says that she can drop Mustafa, then hits Jada with a cheap shot. Security gets Order 4 back, then Elijah helps Jada up before proposing that Jada walk with him.

Daria Rae guests on commentary for the next match.

Elayna Black beats Ruthie Jay.

Backstage, The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) look back on last week's win and their future in TNA when The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) show up having enjoyed their match at Genesis. They state that The Hardys won because they let them be themselves, then says this does not have to be a war. Vincent then says "Imagine...not against us...but with us." He then asks The Hardys to think about it.

The Feast or Fired briefcase results are revealed. Trey Miguel earns a shot at the TNA International Championship. Eddie Edwards earns a shot at the TNA World Championship. Steve Maclin is fired. Eric Young earns a shot at the TNA X Division Championship. Eric then tells Maclin "Your choices haunt you. Remember that." Maclin is speechless as he leaves with his "Fired" briefcase.

Backstage, Mike Santana is met by The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers, Bear Bronson, Cedric Alexander). Eddie Edwards tells Santana about his World title shot, but Santana says he is ready for The System and that Eddie can cash in whenever he wants, as he is not a hard man to find. Eddie says The System is a new regime now and cannot be beaten.

Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt are floored by Steve Maclin being fired and mention their history with Maclin, with a heartbroken Hannifan stating that he would not have a job in TNA if it were not for Maclin.

Rich Swann beats AJ Francis in a No Holds Barred Match.

Backstage, Daria Rae is met by Frankie Kazarian, who says "We need to talk."

Thursday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for January 29, 2026

Kit Wilson beats Apollo Crews.

Maxxine Dupri beats Ivy Nile.

Rusev beats Joaquin Wilde by submission with the Accolade.

Honor Roll - Ring of Honor recap for January 29, 2026

Athena beats Vertvixen in an ROH Women's World Championship Proving Ground Match by submission with the Koji Clutch. After the match, Billie Starkz and Diamanté attack Vertvixen while Athena celebrates, then Hyan and Maya World show up and chase them out of the ring.

Backstage, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo introduces "The Captain" Shawn Dean and Trish Adora to the mystery woman, Christyan XO. Bravo wants to make her part of the team, and Shawn Dean is okay with this.

Adam Priest beats Anthony Henry.

"Dynamite Kid" Tommy Billington beats Aaron Solo.

Backstage, Rocky "Azucar" Romero confronts Adam Priest for talking trash about The Don Callis Family, but Priest says that the family has been racking up losses while he has been racking up wins and that he wants to face "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada for the All Elite Wrestling International Championship. Romero tells Priest to show up at Collision this Saturday.

"The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata beats JD Drake by submission with a cross arm breaker following a low blow.

Hyan and Maya World beat Viva Van and Lady Bird Monroe. After the match, Billie Starkz and Diamanté show up and attack Hyan and Maya World while Athena also shows up alongside them. Athena mentions that Hyan and Maya World were originally her minions in Metroplex Wrestling, then says that she brought them into this world and that she will take them both out of hers. She then challenges Hyan and Maya World to find another partner and face her, Starkz and Diamanté in a six-woman tag match.

Before the next match, "Smart" Mark Sterling calls Austin, Texas "the RC Cola of Texas," and says he would have had the full team if they were in Dallas or San Antonio; instead, Nese can take on the entire city of Austin. He gives the fans a chance to say that he and Nese rule only to be told they suck.

Mascara Dorada beats Tony Nese after sending Nese into "Smart" Mark Sterling to knock him off the ring apron.

Those Dynamite Kids - Dynamite recap for January 28, 2026

Kenny Omega beats Rocky Romero. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Kenny Omega. Omega admits he hates repeating himself, but he has not felt this good in years, and AEW is supposed to be the place where the best wrestle. He says that if he was not feeling like this, he would not claim a shot at the AEW World Championship. He says that regardless of who he has to go through, it is just business, and he will become AEW World Champion. Suddenly, "Hangman" Adam Page shows up and heads to the ring. Hangman says he would rather be fighting alongside Omega than with him, but if the World Championship is at stake, then so be it. He admits he made the mistake of looking past Samoa Joe at the prospect of defending against Omega, and he lost the title as a result. He says that this time is different, and with the amount of passion and respect that he has, he will be the next AEW World Champion, not anyone else. Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana show up and head to the ring, and Swerve says he has come back for the AEW World Championship and that since his return, he has not been pinned or submitted. He claims to have just as much of a right to the AEW World Championship as Hangman and Omega, and that his mission remains the same: coming back and reclaiming the AEW World Championship, regardless of who he has to go thorugh to do it. Omega says he fancies himself at being pretty astute at reading the room, and as much as he and Hangman have their eyes on the World title, Swerve looks more like he is looking for a fight. Swerve chuckles and exclaims "More than you know," then Don Callis shows up and tells Swerve to enjoy his recent undefeated streak while he can before Andrade el Idolo beats him later tonight and breaks it. He also tells Omega that when Andrade beats Swerve, Andrade will be coming for him. Callis also tells Hangman that he also has something special for him, and that the three of them will understand that his family runs this show. Omega says that Callis is telling everyone what to be worried about, then tells Callis that he should have been worried about himself before chasing him to the back.

We see a vignette for Kris Statlander vs. "The Toxic Spider" Thekla for later tonight. As Statlander tells Thekla to "live short and die," Willow Nightingale says that if Julia Hart and Skye Blue stay out of tonight's match, she and Harley Cameron will put the women's tag titles on the line.

Jon Moxley beats Ace Austin in an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match. After the match, "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita shows up and heads to the ring, and he and Moxley have a staredown in the middle of the ring as Takeshita makes it known he wants the Continental Championship. Moxley brings up Takeshita beating him in the Continental Classic as he stands his ground, then Takeshita leaves the ring only for Mark Davis and Jake Doyle to show up and ambush Moxley from behind.

Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.

Mark Briscoe retains the TNT Championship against El Clon after escaping the Portal Bomb. After the match, Briscoe says he is reigning and defending, not ducking and dodging, and that he likes the idea of an open challenge for the TNT Championship on Saturday to anyone except The Don Callis Family, who he admits he is tired of. When Briscoe throws down the challenge, it is answered by Tommaso Ciampa, who has just left WWE after eleven years. Ciampa circles around Briscoe before the two of them have a staredown, and Ciampa states that he is coming for the TNT Championship. He then kisses Briscoe on the cheek to mess with him before leaving and celebrating with the crowd.

Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada. Okada tells Fletcher that he was not thinking regarding the screwdriver at Worlds End and that he also wanted Fletcher to win so that the Continental Classic could stay in the family. He tells Fletcher he did not mean to hurt him and apologizes. Fletcher admits he was angry and that it takes a big man to apologize, and accepts Okada's apology before shaking his hand.

MJF heads to the ring. Before MJF can get started, Brody King shows up, and when MJF says Brody is as deaf as he is big and stupid, Brody almost chases MJF out of the ring. Brody King stands in the corner to let MJF get back in the ring and speak, and MJF tells Brody that if he wants a shot at him, he needs to beat someone that matters, but instead, he is following him around like a lost puppy like he did Malakai Black. He also mentions Brody King following around Buddy Matthews before making fun of Buddy's ankle injury and mentioning Brody King's current partnership in Bandido, who he calls "a complete loser." MJF then says that Brody should follow him around, and that he can pay him handsomely since he is big, dangerous and talented. He admits they have to fix the aesthetic, as he has never met a liberal man who looks more like a Nazi. MJF says he will have Brody King looking good in a suit and a scarf, then calls Brody King's World title aspirations "cute" and "a dream" before telling him that to become World Champion, he needs to be a leader like him. He states that just like the fans, Brody King is nothing more than a follower. Brody says he does not need to follow anyone, and says that unlike MJF, he has friends. He also tells MJF that he has sat down with Tony Khan regarding an opponent who would be best for preparing for a title shot, and that they both agreed on MJF. Brody puts his hand on a confused MJF's shoulder and tells MJF to follow him, then says that they will have an AEW World Championship Eliminator Match, which he will win before facing him for the World Championship. MJF is mad at himself as Brody leaves.

We hear from The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), who talk about being money hungry before stating that it is time for going back to their old roots: tassels, superkicks and superkick parties. They state that the tag team division is on notice, starting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kris Statlander retains the AEW Women's World Championship against "The Toxic Spider" Thekla. After the match, The Babes of Wrath show up to celebrate with Statlander before Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford show up at the top of the ramp.

Backstage, we hear from Don Callis, "The Protostar" Kyle Fletcher and "The Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita. Callis says that he has been in recruitment mode for some time, and now it is time for El Clon, Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita to bring home gold. He then tells Takeshita to take Kyle's lead and forgive Okada, then says that Fletcher is synonymous with the TNT Championship and is waiting for whoever wins the title on Saturday. Callis then states that Mark Davis and Jake Doyle will be winning the tag team titles. Callis leaves, then Takeshita is mad at Fletcher for forgiving "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada.

We see a video package chronicling the feud between "Jungle" Jack Perry and The Demand leading up to Jack Perry vs. Ricochet for the AEW National Championship. We then hear from Ricochet in footage from earlier today, who reveals that Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona have Jack Perry in their clutches. Ricochet joins in as Kaun and Toa Liona gang up on Jack Perry, who soon gets put through a table.

Stokely Hathaway guests on commentary for the next match.

FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) retains the AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Don Callis Family (Mark Davis and Jake Doyle) after Daniel Garcia and Jon Moxley show up. Garcia distracts referee Paul Turner while Jon Moxley clocks Mark Davis with the Continental Championship.

Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Orange Cassidy. He says that he and Wheeler Yuta have been going back and forth for the last five years and that Wheeler is now unrecognizable when Wheeler Yuta shows up. "The Problem" Marina Shafir also shows up and grabs Orange Cassidy, but "Timeless" Toni Storm shows up, stops Shafir and challenges Wheeler and Shafir to a mixed tag team match.

Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.

Andrade el Idolo beats Swerve Strickland after grabbing at referee Aubrey Edwards in order to kick Swerve low and hit The DM. Andrade el Idolo will face Kenny Omega next week. Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews MJF. MJF says that if Swerve thinks he can beat him for the AEW World Championship, he has another thing coming. Kenny Omega shows up and says he has one more week and one more win before he meets MJF at Revolution. MJF walks away as Omega offers to shake his hand, then runs into Andrade el Idolo, who makes it clear that he wants the AEW World Championship. MJF walks away again, this time to his ride out, and is stopped by "Hangman" Adam Page very briefly before MJF gets in and his ride speeds off.

Generation NXT - NXT recap for January 27, 2026

Before the next match, The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) have laid out Joe Hendry backstage. They try to lie to General Manager Ava, but it does not work. To make matters worse, Tony D'Angelo is on his way to the arena and surrounded by security. Ricky Saints is also on commentary, but not for long, as a tag team match becomes the new opening match.

DarkState (Osiris Griffin and Saquon Shugars) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) after The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) run to the ring, which catches the eye of Hank Walker and Tank Ledger, who follows them. The Vanity Project distracts OTM, allowing Saquon to use the ropes for leverage and retain. After the match, Hank and Tank brawl with The Vanity Project, and OTM, having figured out that The Vanity Project cost them the match, jump in. Chase University (Andre Chase, Kale Dixon, Uriah Connors) also gets involved, and as DarkState celebrate in the ring, they are attacked and laid out by The Culling (Shawn Spears and Niko Vance).

In backstage footage from last week, Blake Monroe finds an ally in Nikkita Lyons, who says that she knows Jaida Parker and that she will face Jaida so that Blake does not have to.

Jaida Parker beats Nikkita Lyons. After the match, Blake Monroe shows up on the TitanTron and says that while Jaida Parker has something, she is not glamorous. She says that nobody takes the spotlight from her and gets away with it, and that she will be seeing Jaida soon.

In backstage from earlier today, Tavion Heights tells Elio LaFleur and Eli Knight that despite their recent losses, they had the place on their feet. Lexis King, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Arianna Grace show up, and Lexis tells Tavion Heights that he has squandered every one of his opportunities since he went solo. Members of the locker room have to break up a brawl.

We hear from The Elegance Brand (The Personal Concierge George Iceman, Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance, Mr. Elegance). The Personal Concierge look forward to facing Sol Ruca and Zaria for the Knockouts tag titles, and Heather and M try to drive a wedge between Sol Ruca and Zaria, calling them "fake friends." The Personal Concierge says that they have beauty, class and health and that they will keep the Knockouts tag titles forever.

Backstage, Zaria cannot get a hold of Sol Ruca. Thea Hail shows up and mentions the state of how friends are come and go before wondering about how to become a champion again, and this leads to an argument where Zaria is irritated that she cannot win championships while Thea stumbled into one. Zaria then says she will see Thea later.

Backstage, Myles Borne runs into "All Ego" Ethan Page, who tells him that he must beat Dion Lennox by any means necessary. As Myles says it is none of Ethan's business how he wins, Ricky Saints shows up, but Myles Borne is not in the mood for him, either.

Backstage, General Manager Ava finds out that Joe Hendry is no longer medically cleared as The Vanity Project (Brad Baylor, "The Smoke Show" Ricky Smokes, Jackson Drake) show up. They say that Ava cannot prove that they attacked Hendry. Ava says that Jackson Drake has qualified for the NXT Championship Ladder Match, but if Joe Hendry gets cleared, he will be part of it, too.

Dion Lennox beats Myles Borne in an NXT Championship Ladder Match qualifier after "All Ego" Ethan Page hands one of his championships to Myles to use as a weapon only for Myles to get caught with it, allowing Lennox to get the win and qualify for the match. After the match, Ethan tells Myles that all he had to do was listen and that he will never win without his advice. Myles attacks Ethan with the North American title in response.

Backstage, Tony D'Angelo shows up in General Manager Ava's office as Ricky Saints speaks with Ava. Saints leaves, and Ava says she bailed him out because NXT needs him, as D'Angelo knows NXT better than anyone. She asks D'Angelo if he is in or out, and D'Angelo says he will mention his intentions next week. Ava then tells D'Angelo not to interfere in next week's ladder match.

Backstage, Andre Chase gets ready for his match as Uriah Connor is frustrated with a lack of success. Lexis King shows up, sits on his throne, and says that Uriah has been listening and that his father would be proud, as he knows his own father would be.

Lexis King beats Tavion Heights as Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Arianna Grace show up to watch the match from ringside halfway through.

Finn Balor's time in NXT is covered on NXT Origins.

Izzi Dame guests on commentary for the next match.

Thea Hail beats Zaria with a schoolkid pin after Tatum Paxley shows up to attack and chase after Izzi Dame at the announce table, distracting Zaria and giving Thea Hail the win. After the match, Zaria slaps Thea Hail's hand away, then Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley show up and get on the apron. Thea offers to help Zaria, but Zaria lays her out. Lainey and Fallon decide it is better to retreat, and step off the ring apron.

Backstage, Charlie Dempsey is impressed with Kendal Grey and Wren Sinclair, but notes that they did not get the win last week. As Kendal is focused on Jacy Jayne, Stacks, Arianna Grace and Lexis King want a word with Charlie Dempsey.

Keanu Carver beats Andre Chase in an NXT Championship Ladder Match qualifer that also acts as Carver's NXT debut. After the match, Carven sends Chase's face into an exposed turnbuckle before stomping Chase's head into the ring steps. Referees and medical have to check on Chase afterwards. Keanu Carver grabs the microphone and says that Andre Chase was not going to stop him. He then proclaims that he will tear everyone in the NXT Championship Ladder Match up and dares anyone to take it up with him if they have a problem, all while most of the ladder match participants watch from backstage.

"Super" Sean Legacy, Shiloh Hill, Keanu Carver, Dion Lennox and Jackson Drake are in the ring. Shiloh Hill is fired up by Keanu Carver's action, but says that brains as well as brawn is important in the ladder match. Dion Lennox says dropping people is his specialty and that nobody will jump him in line, but Sean Legacy says he has worked to get here and has nothing to lose, and that he is willing to get crazy. Jackson Drake says that getting crazy is why Legacy will choke, and that he can be the human highlight reel after barely breaking a sweat. He then says that he will be the champion while everyone else in the match becomes a part of history.Ricky Saints shows up with a ladder and climbs up it at the entranceway before stating the view from the top is great and that while he sees a lot of potential, they are seeds that have not sprouted yet while he is the rose that bloomed in NXT's concrete jungle. Keanu Carver says that they do not have to wait until next week before punching Shiloh Hill in the face, starting a brawl. Ricky Saints attacks Keanu Carver with a ladder and climbs up to the NXT Championship, but Joe Hendry shows up and hits Saints with the Standing Ovation. Hendry soon gets laid out by Keanu Carver, who is the last man standing as the show comes to an end.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 26, 2026

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He brings up Gunther's claim that he will end his WWE career at Royal Rumble, then proclaims that he is not going anywhere. He also make it clear that 2026 will be the year that he retires. Styles says he wants to enjoy retirement along with the fans, especially when John Cena took all of 2025 to say goodbye to do the same, and mentions that there are a lot of people he would love to wrestle one more time. He also mentions that he wants to be world champion one more time. Styles then states that Gunther may be good, but he is not phenomenal. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up and heads to the ring. Punk mentions his twenty-plus year history with Styles and states that there is nothing but respect between them, then wants to know what Styles is doing putting his career on the line against Gunther, especially when the two of them still have a lot of moments to make. He also tells Styles that he has watched his career during their friendship and feels that the stakes are just too high. Styles takes this as Punk thinking he cannot beat Gunther, but Punk says he knows Styles can beat Gunther. Punk says that if Royal Rumble does not go Styles' way, then the two of then cannot square off in a WWE ring. Styles, admitting that he knows that Punk is not coming across in a such a way, says that Punk is being disrespectful, but Punk says he is more selfish than anything. Styles says he can beat Gunther, and he knows that he can Punk. Punk says that if Styles loses, the world will never know for sure, and that leaves him at a loss as to what to do. Styles proposes that they face each other tonight, and if he beats Punk tonight, he will be #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship if he beats Gunther at Royal Rumble. Punk says that he promised to be a fighting champion, and if they are going to do this tonight, they are going to do this for the championship. He then accepts Styles' challenge for tonight with the title on the line. Both men then shake hands.

Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer beat The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez) in a six-woman tag match.

Backstage, Finn Balor catches up to CM Punk. He says that even though he did not win last week, he was still part of the most important night of his career. Finn thanks Punk, then says there are not a lot of men like them left. He proposes that Finn leave The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez), as he will not do much hanging with "trash" like "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, and tells him to win the Royal Rumble.

Triple H is revealed to be the cover athlete for WWE 2K26's deluxe edition.

The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) heads to the ring. Paul Heyman introduces The Vision, including Bron Breakker, who will be speaking with General Manager Adam Pearce regarding his suspension. Heyman mentions that Pearce put his hands on Breakker first, which he calls conduct becoming an executive in WWE, and claims that Pearce planted the brass knuckles that he took away from The Vision in last week's match so that Rey Mysterio could use them. He then states that the table has been set and that The Vision welcomes Pearce's presence. Pearce heads to the ring, and Bronson has to hold Breakker back. Pearce says he is not here to make excuses or apologize for wearing his heart on his sleeves, then admits that things got out of hand. He apologizes for putting his hands on Breakker first and states that this will not happen again. He also announces that Breakker is no longer suspended and is in the men's Royal Rumble Match. Heyman thanks Pearce and offers to shake Pearce's hand, then puts Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Austin Theory in the Rumble as well. He also gives Theory a chance at redemption against Rey Mysterio after last week's match, and makes it official tonight. The match then takes place right now.

Austin Theory beats Rey Mysterio with a curb stomp after Mysterio drop kicks Logan on the outside as Logan Paul and "Big" Bronson Reed brawl with Dragon Lee and Penta on the outside. After the match, Bron Breakker goes on the attack, and Logan Paul hits the knockout punch on Dragon Lee so that Breakker can hit Dragon Lee with a Spear. Logan then hits Dragon Lee with the Paul from Grace before Penta also eats a Spear. Bronson Reed then gets Penta in position for a Tsunami and hits it. Breakker then hits Penta with another Spear.

We hear from Natalya, who says that she made Maxxine Dupri, but Maxxine failed her. She states that Maxxine believed that she could roll like a legend because she rolled with a legend. Natalya states that she is a whole new person and that when she is done with Maxxine, she is coming for it all. She says that Natalya elevates, but "Nattie" decimates.

Backstage, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria confront Raquel Rodriguez for yelling for General Manager Adam Pearce as Bayley is on the phone, and that allows Stephanie Vaquer to attack Raquel before Pearce and other officials show up to break the brawl up.

In footage from earlier today, Michael Cole interviews Gunther. Gunther says he has nothing to gain if he beats "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, but now that he can beat him for his career, he has something phenomenal to gain. He says he is sick of all the "old-timers" overstaying their welcome and chasing one moment after another, proclaiming that those moments belong to him, and that he is not interesting in Styles taking away moments that belong to him. He also states that Michael Cole falls into that category as well and asks Cole how long he will stick around to chase another moment, then says he could end his career right now. Instead, he wants Michael Cole to call his match with AJ Styles at Royal Rumble and proclaim that Styles' career is over. Gunther laughs and says it is going to be great and memorable.

Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce is met by Finn Balor, who declares for the men's Royal Rumble. Pearce says the men's Rumble is full, but Balor still wants in. Pearce does not budge, and Finn says this is not over. Finn then runs into Liv Morgan, who is infuriated by Punk's recent words to Finn. Finn says that this is not straightforward and that he needs to figure this out.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barns is seen in the front row.

"Main Event" Jey Uso watches the next match from ringside.

Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) beat American Made (Julius and Brutus Creed), Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) in a Fatal 4-Way tag team match to become #1 contenders for the World Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Becky Lynch. Becky mocks Jackie's Toronto Maple Leafs jacket and acknowledges that she knows where Natalya is coming from, then declares for the women's Royal Rumble. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kair Sane) show up, and Kairi Sane says Becky is not ready for Asuka, but Becky says she has beaten Asuka before, and blames The Kabuki Warriors for their WarGames loss. Asuka tells Becky she will see her in the Royal Rumble.

Backstage, Je'Von Evans hopes to see AJ Styles on WWE's upcoming world tour before wishing him luck against Gunther.

Backstage, Stephanie Vaquer meets with General Manager Adam Pearce, stating she wants a fight with Raquel Rodriguez. Pearce gives it to her next week in the form of a Philadelphia Street Fight.

Backstage, The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) come up with a plan regarding the men's Royal Rumble match. Logan Paul says they should enter the match with one vision, and that nobody can stop them. He says that one of them must leave as the winner of the Royal Rumble, and states it should be Bron Breakker.

Oba Femi will be in the men's Royal Rumble match.

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship ends with Finn Balor attacking Punk as he has Styles in the corner. CM Punk retains the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Finn Balor drop kicks CM Punk into the barricade, then gets him back into the ring for the Coup de Grace. Finn eventually hits Punk with it three times to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Here's this week's Raw Recap!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!