This week’s episode of Monday Night Raw aired live from Belfast and the show kicked in a big way. Gunther made his way down to the ring to cut a promo and the fans greeted him with “you tapped out” chants.
The Ring General laughed as the fans booed him then he reminded everyone that he’s the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, and the man who made John Cena tap out in his final match. Gunther made it clear that he wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship back and then he announced that he’s officially entering the Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles made his way out and told Gunther that he’s not ready to move on. He challenged Gunther to a match at the Royal Rumble, but Gunther said he doesn’t want to pull double duty.
Gunther tried to leave and AJ accused him of being scared. He said there’s one thing AJ can do to get a rematch, so AJ told him to name it. Gunther told AJ Styles that the only way he’s getting a rematch is if he puts his career on the line at the Royal Rumble. He gave AJ time to think about it, but told him he wants an answer by the end of the night.
Later in the night Adam Pearce confronted AJ Styles and said he doesn’t have to do this. AJ told him he needed to call his wife. Pearce and Styles met up for another conversation before the main event and Styles said that his wife told him to “kick his a**” when the discussed the match with Gunther. Adam Pearce then made it official as he announced that AJ Styles will be putting his career on the line when he faces Gunther at the Royal Rumble premium live event.
IT'S OFFICIAL @AJStylesOrg will put his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble pic.twitter.com/8TyckrKbDY
— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2026