WWE's Netflix Anniversary Raw: A Night of Legends, Surprises, and Bold Moves?
By Erik Beaston, January 5, 2026
WWE is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its first anniversary on Netflix with a blockbuster edition of Raw. Headlined by CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against the rising star Bron Breakker, this event promises to be a pivotal moment in the build-up to WrestleMania 42. But here's where it gets exciting: the potential for legendary returns, unexpected cameos, and jaw-dropping surprises is through the roof. What better way to kick off the road to WrestleMania than with a night that could redefine the wrestling landscape?
The Barclays Center in Brooklyn will host this special Stranger Things crossover event, blending the worlds of wrestling and pop culture. But who might grace the stage? Let’s dive into the possibilities.
Chris Jericho: The Most Anticipated Return?
If there’s one name on everyone’s lips, it’s Chris Jericho. With his contract with All Elite Wrestling reportedly ending on December 31, Jericho is now a free agent. Fan speculation has reached a fever pitch, and Raw General Manager Adam Pearce only added fuel to the fire with a cryptic social media post asking, “Who could break down the walls?” An appearance by Jericho would be a seismic moment, especially as WWE gears up for WrestleMania season—a time when surprises are the name of the game.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Jericho’s return wouldn’t just be a nostalgia trip. It could set the stage for a Hall of Fame induction, possibly alongside his longtime on-screen rival, Stephanie McMahon. While this feels like the most logical surprise, it’s also the one that could divide fans. Is Jericho’s return a step forward or a nod to the past? Let us know in the comments.
Seth Rollins: The Wildcard Factor
Another name whispered in the wrestling world is Seth Rollins. If there’s any chance of him returning before WrestleMania 42, his involvement in the World Heavyweight Championship match could be game-changing. Would he prevent Bron Breakker from winning, sticking it to The Vision? Or could he surprisingly aid CM Punk in retaining a title Rollins never officially lost? The latter would be a creative masterstroke, positioning Rollins as a babyface upon his return. While this feels like a long shot, especially if Jericho is already in the mix, it would be the most impactful appearance of the night.
A New Champion: Bron Breakker’s Moment?
And this is the part most people miss: the biggest surprise of the night might not be a return at all. It could be Bron Breakker winning the World Heavyweight Championship. From his NXT debut, Breakker has exuded the X-factor that defines wrestling’s greatest stars. His confidence, charisma, and energy have made him a fan favorite, and now, less than five years into his career, he’s challenging for the top title on Raw.
A Breakker victory wouldn’t just be a surprise—it would be a statement. It would catapult him into the upper echelon of WWE Superstars and signal a bold move toward the future. With the recent arrivals of young talents like Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Je'Von Evans, WWE is clearly embracing a youth movement. But is the company ready to crown Breakker so soon? That’s the million-dollar question.
Final Thoughts: A Night of Endless Possibilities
WWE’s Netflix Anniversary Raw is shaping up to be a night of monumental surprises. Whether it’s Chris Jericho’s return, Seth Rollins’s unexpected involvement, or Bron Breakker’s coronation, one thing is certain: this event will set the tone for WrestleMania 42 and beyond. But what do you think? Which surprise would you most like to see? And is WWE making the right moves by blending nostalgia with the future? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
