Get ready for a night of high-octane drama and nostalgia as WWE Raw takes center stage, but this isn’t your average episode—it’s a night of tributes, returns, and potential fireworks. Here’s the kicker: AJ Styles’ legendary career is being celebrated, but the shadow of his controversial retirement match against Gunther still looms large. Could this heartfelt tribute turn into a chaotic showdown? Let’s dive in.
On January’s Royal Rumble, AJ Styles, known as The Phenomenal One, faced off against Gunther in a high-stakes retirement match. The outcome? Styles’ WWE career came to an abrupt end, leaving fans stunned and divided. Fast forward to Monday’s Raw, and WWE is set to honor Styles’ remarkable journey—but in the unpredictable world of wrestling, nothing is ever straightforward. And this is the part most people miss: Gunther, fresh off a disappointing loss to Je'Von Evans in an Elimination Chamber qualifier, might not be in the mood to let the celebration go uninterrupted. His joy over Styles’ retirement hasn’t sat well with Dragon Lee, Styles’ former tag team partner, who could very well step in if Gunther decides to crash the party.
But that’s not all—this episode is stacked with star power. Brock Lesnar is making his highly anticipated return, CM Punk will address his upcoming title defenses against Finn Balor and Roman Reigns, and Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan will reveal which world title she’ll challenge for at WrestleMania. Here’s where it gets controversial: Is WWE using Styles’ tribute as a backdrop for bigger storylines, or is this a genuine farewell to a wrestling icon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.**
For those keeping score, Jey Uso, The Original El Grande Americano, and Bronson Reed will battle it out in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match, and Maxxine Dupri will face off against Nattie in singles action. Meanwhile, Dragon Lee’s grudge against Gunther adds another layer of tension—will this simmering feud boil over on live TV?
CBS Sports will be your go-to source for live updates, recaps, and highlights from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the drama, or the sheer athleticism, this episode of Raw promises to deliver—with a few surprises along the way. But here’s the real question: Will AJ Styles’ tribute be a night to remember, or will old rivalries steal the spotlight? Tune in to find out, and don’t forget to share your predictions below!