Raw Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant

Episode: Finn Bálor assaults CM Punk during Punk’s match with AJ Styles – Raw Recap, Jan. 26, 2026
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Notable Guests: Big E (joining remotely)
Platform: WWE x Fanatics Podcasts

Episode Overview

This action-packed episode dives deep into the chaotic, unpredictable edition of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. Hosted remotely from three locations due to a snowstorm, Sam Roberts, Megan Morant, and guest Big E break down the shocking events of Raw, focusing especially on the high-stakes World Heavyweight Championship clash between CM Punk and AJ Styles, cut short by a stunning Finn Bálor assault. The team reviews storylines leading into the upcoming Royal Rumble, analyzes key superstar motivations, and shares their personal predictions for the Rumble. The episode is rich in behind-the-scenes insight, wrestling lore, and heartfelt reflections on the careers of featured superstars.

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

1. Raw’s Wild Format & Weather (00:37–02:10)

• The hosts discuss recording from different locations (“WrestleMania 2 level episode”), setting the stage for a unique show atmosphere due to severe snow across the US and Canada.

2. Surprise World Heavyweight Championship Match: CM Punk vs AJ Styles (02:10–06:50)

• Unexpected Title Defense: Neither Sam nor Megan expected a World Title match, especially CM Punk vs. AJ Styles, on this Raw.
• Anticipation: Megan describes her excitement (“Oh my God, we're getting a title match tonight. AJ's going to get the title” – 03:46) and speculation about Punk’s role at the Rumble.
• Finn Bálor’s Shocking Interference: The anticipated showdown is interrupted by Finn Bálor, derailing what could have been an instant classic.

Quote:
“Of all the things to ruin—for Finn Balor to ruin. You want to be a bad guy to ruin AJ Styles versus CM Punk and to give us that as a finish…I mean, destroyed it, destroyed the whole buildup of the night.” – Sam Roberts (03:38)

3. Finn Bálor’s Motivation and Betrayal (04:38–08:15)

• Fan Expectations: Big E laments losing hope for a heroic Finn Bálor run.
• Unexplained Actions: Much discussion around Finn’s focus on targeting Punk instead of both men, and speculation on whether he’s truly broken from Judgment Day or acting for personal reasons.

Quote:
“Maybe the last time we ever see CM Punk and AJ Styles in a ring together. And to be robbed of that finish. I need to know the reason.” – Big E (07:30)

4. AJ Styles’ Legacy and Looming Retirement? (08:15–14:11)

• Retirement Stipulation: With AJ facing Gunther and his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, the hosts reflect on AJ’s emotional match entrances and storied career.
• Comparison to Cena’s Retirement Tour: AJ seeks a year-long farewell; fans and fellow wrestlers express hope this isn’t his final run.
• Praise for AJ: Big E calls him “the best guy from a technical standpoint I’ve ever been in the ring with.” (10:18)

5. Royal Rumble Drama: Finn Bálor Denied Entry (14:11–19:39)

• Adam Pearce Under Fire: Unprecedented refusal—Pearce tells Bálor the Rumble is “full,” sparking confusion and speculation.
• Rumble’s Stacked Field: Hosts highlight the excitement and surprise potential, given big names and possible debuts.

Quote:
“Superstars are allowed to declare for the Royal Rumble like they're Michael Scott declaring bankruptcy… I have never in my life heard somebody go like this: Rumble's full.” – Sam Roberts (15:39)

6. Oba Femi’s Main Roster Debut at Royal Rumble (20:31–23:28)

• The Big Surprise: Oba Femi, the imposing new talent, is announced for the Rumble, leading Big E to (jokingly) “bet his house” on Oba’s win.
• Physical Dominance: All are awestruck by Oba’s blend of size, speed, and presence.

Quote:
“If you're shocked by Obafemi winning the Royal Rumble, you're a fool.” – Big E (21:56)

7. Paul Heyman & The Vision’s Cohesion Under Scrutiny (25:57–33:39)

• Faction Dynamics: With all Vision members entered into the Rumble, discussion centers on whether they’re truly unified or just conveniently aligned.
• Questions About Heyman’s Control: Can the star-studded Vision factions be managed successfully in a ‘every man for himself’ scenario?
• Logan Paul’s Intentions: Both skepticism and grudging respect for Logan Paul’s growing reliability as a WWE regular.

8. Other Royal Rumble Contenders: Roman Reigns & Gunther (36:20–40:33)

• Roman’s Return: The hosts remind listeners of Roman’s unstoppable track record and presence as a potential “sleeper” Rumble favorite.
• Gunther’s Dual Threat: Megan argues Gunther is the most likely Rumble winner and could also retire AJ Styles—a notion acknowledged with notoriety and dread.

9. Women’s Royal Rumble & Evolution of Key Characters (42:00–50:12)

• Becky Lynch’s Odds: Megan, notably pro-Becky, touts her as “the slickest wrestler that we've ever seen.”
• Natalia’s Reinvention & Frustration: The group discusses Natty’s new aggressive edge, comparing her to a magician finally demanding center stage after years backstage, and her evolving “Bloodsport” persona.

Quote:
“She’s a Hart, and I think people forget that too much…a ton of dirt under the fingernails to get into the position that she's in.” – Sam Roberts (49:14)

10. Tag Team Shakeups: Alpha Academy Rises (50:46–54:57)

• Otis & Tozawa’s Ascent: For the first time, they’re serious contenders, challenging for the tag titles—proving that even comedic acts can break through with focus and timing.
• Akira Tozawa’s Moving Statement: Sam reads Tozawa’s positive, resilient tweet, framing this title opportunity as the result of perseverance.

11. Hosts’ Royal Rumble Predictions

(Timestamp: 57:22–61:08, end of episode)

Sam Roberts:

• Men's: Bron Breakker
• Women's: Liv Morgan

Big E:

• Men's: Oba Femi
• Women's: Roxanne Perez (“I love when… you see them take that leap. I think this is the year that Roxanne Perez takes a big leap.” – 58:43)

Megan Morant:

• Men's: Gunther (expecting AJ’s retirement at the Rumble)
• Women's: Iyo Sky (“I think maybe it's EO's turn.” – 61:00)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Destroyed it, destroyed the whole buildup of the night.” – Sam Roberts on Finn Bálor’s interference (03:38)
• “And we were robbed. We were all robbed.” – Big E on Finn Bálor’s heel turn (05:12)
• “Maybe the last time we ever see CM Punk and AJ Styles in a ring together. And to be robbed of that finish. I need to know the reason.” – Big E (07:30)
• “He is someone who refuses—he doesn’t ever want fans to see even a slightly diminished version of AJ Styles.” – Big E (10:02)
• “Have you ever been told that, Big E, that the Rumble's full?” – Sam Roberts (17:45)
• “If you're shocked by Obafemi winning the Royal Rumble, you're a fool.” – Big E (21:56)
• “Logan Paul as a parasite on the industry. So, you know, I mean, that’s how some perceive it. And a parasite is generally not there for the betterment of its host.” – Sam Roberts (33:39)
• “She’s a Hart, and I think people forget that too much... a ton of dirt under the fingernails to get into the position that she's in.” – Sam Roberts (49:14)
• [Akira Tozawa’s tweet read live:] “I love professional wrestling. I love WWE. That’s why no matter what people said, I kept going and now it’s time. It’s time to finally make it happen.” (54:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Remote Setup – WrestleMania 2 Vibes: 00:37
• Title Match Announcement & Reactions: 02:21–04:38
• Finn Bálor Attack Analysis: 04:38–08:15
• AJ Styles’ Career & Legacy: 08:15–14:11
• Royal Rumble Entry Drama: 14:11–19:39
• Oba Femi’s Rumble Hype: 20:31–23:28
• The Vision/Paul Heyman Scheming: 25:57–33:39
• Roman Reigns & Gunther as Favorites: 36:20–40:33
• Women’s Rumble, Becky, Natty: 42:00–50:12
• Alpha Academy’s Tag Title Story: 50:46–54:57
• Royal Rumble Winner Predictions: 57:22–61:08

Tone & Takeaways

Raw Recap maintains a lively, knowledgeable, and passionate tone, blending in-depth wrestling analysis with genuine fandom. Serious topics—like AJ’s possible retirement—are balanced with humor (Oba Femi “betting the house”) and backstage camaraderie.

• The hosts’ styles complement one another: Sam brings historical perspective; Megan provides a contemporary, sometimes emotional view; Big E offers wrestler insight and affable humor.
• The episode’s flow ensures even listeners new to WWE or Raw understand the stakes, personalities, and wrestling culture at play.

Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Show

If you missed Raw, this episode will:

• Catch you up on all major angles and surprises, especially around CM Punk, AJ Styles, Finn Bálor, and the Vision.
• Prepare you for the Royal Rumble: both context on who’s in (and out!) and why, as well as expert personal predictions.
• Provide memorable quotes, story recaps, and clear delineation of key matches and promos setting up the Rumble.

This is the episode to catch before WWE’s next can’t-miss premium live event!