New segments have been announced for this Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, adding final touches to the build for the Royal Rumble. It was announced on Friday that AJ Styles will appear on the show to speak, just days prior to his match against Gunther at the Premium Live Event. It was also revealed that Gunther will be interviewed on the program.
The two superstars are set to meet at the Royal Rumble after Gunther won their first encounter. Following that defeat, Styles demanded a second match, but “The Ring General” refused to grant the request. It wasn’t until Styles offered to put up his career that Gunther eventually agreed to the rematch, raising the stakes to an all-or-nothing level for “The Phenomenal One.”
On Friday’s SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis questioned Styles about his decision to agree to such a stipulation. Styles explained his reasoning, stating that while he accepted Gunther beating John Cena, he was tired of the disrespect that followed the victory. He feels a need to rectify that disrespect, even if it means risking his entire legacy.
During the same segment, Aldis revealed he had another motive for bringing Styles to the blue brand: Shinsuke Nakamura. The two longtime rivals came face-to-face and agreed to a match for Saturday Night’s Main Event. This adds another massive bout to Styles’ schedule as he fights for his career.
In addition to the Styles and Gunther segments, the January 26 edition of Raw will feature significant in-ring action. Bron Breakker is set to return from suspension, looking to wreak havoc once again. The tag team division will also be in the spotlight, as a Four-Way Number One Contender’s Match for the World Tag Team Titles will take place. The match will feature The New Day vs. American Made vs. American Alpha vs. Los Americanos.
The updated lineup for WWE Raw (January 26) is as follows:
- Four-way Number One Contender’s Match for World Tag Team titles: The New Day vs. American Made vs. American Alpha vs. Los Americanos
- Bron Breakker returns from suspension
- AJ Styles to speak
- Gunther to be interviewed
