The first Monday Night RAW of 2026 was broadcast live from the Upside Down and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The “Stranger Things” themed episode of Monday Night Raw aired on the first anniversary of WWE’s flagship show being available on Netflix. Featuring three title matches, two title changes, and a thrilling main event, the show offered a glimpse into what 2026 could hold for WWE and Monday Night RAW.
For fans of Stranger Things, this Raw was packed with easter eggs, including a giant replica of the WQSK van from which announcers Michael Cole and Corey Graves emerged as the show began. Matches were labeled as chapters, akin to “Stranger Things,” with barricades adorned in vines and backstage areas resembling the Upside Down.
The show kicked off with a star-studded Women’s Tag Team Championship match, showcasing the new powerhouse duo of Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky against the iconic Kabuki Warriors, Asuka, and Kairi Sane. Over their three reigns, no team has amassed more combined days as champions than the Empress of Tomorrow and the Princess Pirate, boasting 324 days as champions.
The nearly 17-minute match saw Ripley and Sky clinching their first women’s tag team titles. It was an impressive start to the night, highlighting the incredible talent of all four women. Ripley and Sky, both possessing significant singles potential, may not hold the tag titles for long. It remains to be seen if their partnership endures or if yet another super team implodes.
The subsequent matches, featuring Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri and Lyra Valkeria against a returning Liv Morgan, showcased the cream of the women’s roster. Becky Lynch secured her title as a two-time women’s champion, while Liv Morgan reaffirmed her status as a top wrestler in the women’s division.
The main event captivated the audience, as the Vision’s Bron Breakker faced legendary world heavyweight champion CM Punk in a 26-minute thriller with interferences, broken tables, and multiple finishers. CM Punk ultimately emerged victorious, successfully defending his championship against The Vision’s best efforts.
This RAW episode marked the one-year anniversary of Raw on Netflix, with the partnership strengthening. Following WWE’s deal with Peacock ending in late 2025, pay-per-view replays are now Netflix exclusives globally. While worldwide live pay-per-views are still on Netflix, WWE events now air on ESPN+.
Monday Night RAW and Netflix will return to the New York Metropolitan area on March 30 when RAW comes from Madison Square Garden.
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