HIGHLIGHTS
The upcoming Raw in Belfast promises to be an action-packed affair. Anticipate raucous cheers for fan favorites Becky Lynch and Finn Balor. It seems likely that one of them will capture a victory while the other might face defeat.
- Raw in Belfast has a special afternoon start time for U.S. viewers.
- Two championship matches are confirmed for Monday’s show.
- One suspended superstar could still loom large over the proceedings.
Additionally, more wrestlers are expected to announce their participation in the Royal Rumble. This is the final Raw episode before the highly anticipated Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal on January 24, so there is plenty to cover.
The WWE Raw scheduled for January 19, 2026, will broadcast live from the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This event is notable as it marks the first time WWE has aired Raw from this particular venue.
What Matches Are Confirmed for Raw?
Start Time:
CM Punk (c) will face off against Finn Balor.
- United States: Raw streams live on Netflix at 3 p.m. ET, part of the show’s special international start-time schedule for January.
- Local (Belfast): Doors at 6:00 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. GMT.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Balor
Balor’s callout of Punk was stellar. It feels like fans are hungry for a Balor resurgence. He could be headed for a track similar to the one that Drew McIntyre is one–which culminated in him winning the WWE championship.
In any case, it is tough to imagine Punk dropping the title in Belfast. Still, I’d like to see the two future Hall-of-Famers put on a great show.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri
Dupri gets a rematch after Lynch beat her for the title on the first Raw of 2026. I don’t think this is necessary, but I also don’t believe WWE has any where else to go with Lynch at this point.
What’s Next for Bron Breakker?
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 08: Bron Breakker looks on during Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Center on December 8, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Bradlee Rutledge/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
Bron Breakker’s has been labeled the future and with good reason. That said, his immediate future is defined by the fallout of his loss to Punk and a violent post-match rampage that led to a storyline indefinite suspension from Raw.
However, because Paul Heyman alleged that Raw GM Adam Pearce put his hands on Breakker first, there is something amiss. Heyman will likely use this to push Breakker into an advantageous position this week or even at the Rumble. Could Breakker possibly be No. 30 at the Rumble? Perhaps.
For now, Belfast is a Bron-less Raw, but I cannot imagine it plays out that way.
Predictions for Raw’s Title Matches
Lynch will retain and Balor will shine, but will fall short. That said, I think him and JD McDonagh–when he returns–could be primed for face turns. The Raw in Belfast could kick that off. Be on the lookout for results and follow-up after the show.
