Why WWE Raw Matters for North East India and Beyond
WWE's Monday Night Raw, one of the most popular professional wrestling shows in the world, is set to air on January 12, 2026, from Dsseldorf, Germany. The event holds significant importance for the North East region of India and the broader Indian context due to the participation of several Indian wrestlers and the show's growing popularity in the region.
Anticipated Clash: AJ Styles vs Gunther
The highlight of the upcoming Raw episode is the highly-anticipated match between AJ Styles and Gunther. The two superstars will face off for the first time ever in Dsseldorf, following their heated exchange last week. The match was set up after Styles confronted Gunther, who continued to disrespect John Cena and taunted Styles.
Building Up to the Royal Rumble
This week's Raw is expected to kick off the build towards the upcoming Saturday Night's Main Event, as WWE prepares for the first Pay-Per-View (PLE) of 2026, the Royal Rumble. The event will feature several other notable matches and segments, setting the stage for the upcoming WrestleMania season.
Featured Superstars
In addition to AJ Styles and Gunther, several other superstars are being advertised for the show, including CM Punk, Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. The presence of these popular wrestlers is likely to draw a large audience and contribute to the excitement surrounding the event.
Special Start Time and Telecast Details
The January 12 show of the Red brand will air at a special early start time of 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT on Netflix. This adjustment in schedule will continue for the next two weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble go-home show. The telecast details for other regions, including the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and several other countries, have also been announced.
Implications for the North East Region and India
The growing popularity of WWE in the North East region and India is a testament to the increasing interest in professional wrestling in these areas. The participation of Indian wrestlers such as Jinder Mahal, The Bollywood Boyz, and Rinku Singh in WWE shows has helped to further bolster this trend. As the company continues to expand its reach in the region, it is likely that we will see more Indian talent rising through the ranks and competing on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, the upcoming Raw episode is poised to deliver an exciting and action-packed show. Fans can look forward to the anticipated clash between AJ Styles and Gunther, as well as the appearances of other popular superstars. As we move closer to the Royal Rumble, the stakes will undoubtedly continue to rise, making for an unforgettable WrestleMania season.