WWE Raw Goes Home: Toronto Highlights Before Royal Rumble 2026
Five days before the roar of the Royal Rumble arrives in Riyadh, WWE Raw delivered a jam-packed go-home edition from Toronto. The show featured high-stakes storylines, dramatic promos, and a roster primed for the unique challenge of the Saudi Arabia pay-per-view event. As the WWE universe braces for the Riyadh spectacle, this Raw aimed to set the stage with key rivalries and fresh momentum heading into the weekend.
AJ Styles vs. Gunther: A Career-Defining Spotlight
In one of the night’s marquee moments, AJ Styles addressed the prospect of a potentially career-ending showdown with Gunther on Saturday night. The segment built anticipation for a clash that could redefine Styles’ legacy and push Gunther further into his run as one of Raw’s most imposing contenders. The chemistry between Styles and Gunther, combined with the tension from Styles’ vow to leave it all in the ring, underscored why this match is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Expect the war of styles to play a crucial role in Riyadh, withاً Styles seeking one more defining moment and Gunther eager to add another landmark victory to his title reign.
Other Key Moments: Winners, Grades, and Momentum
The Toronto edition showcased a blend of veteran leadership and rising stars, with several matches delivering clear implications for Royal Rumble weekend. Here are the notable outcomes and how they shape the WWE landscape in Riyadh:
- Surprise Pinfalls and Peppered Feuds: A few midcard feuds intensified, signaling new alliances and rivalries that could spill into the Royal Rumble or post-event programs. The outcomes kept fans guessing about post-Rumble trajectories.
- Dominant Performances: Certain wrestlers displayed why they’re considered temperature-sensitive elements in Raw’s lineup—capable of turning a show’s energy up or down in real time.
- Promo Gold: promos leaned into the impending blockbuster weekend, with athletes framing their personas for Riyadh in ways that balanced storytelling with physical stakes.
Analysts noted the precision of booking as Raw aimed to maximize buzz for the Royal Rumble 2026. The show’s structure—build a sense of danger, offer a few unexpected twists, and leave the audience craving more—delivered a classic go-home vibe that fans crave before a major WWE event.
Grading the Go-Home: What Worked, What Didn’t
WWE’s decision to anchor the evening around Styles’ looming confrontation with Gunther earned strong reactions from live and social media audiences. The emotional investment in Styles paired with Gunther’s commanding presence generated a palpable sense of gravity. Some segments, however, may have underscored the need for additional surprise elements or deeper storytelling across multiple feuds to ensure maximum weekend impact. Overall, the Toronto Raw achieved a balanced blend of anticipation-building promos, ladder-raising suspense, and in-ring action that kept fans within arm’s reach of the Royal Rumble weekend.
What This Means for Royal Rumble 2026
With the Rumble looming, the go-home show seeded key narratives: Styles’ potential career milestone against Gunther, new challengers entering the title picture, and the emergence of fresh threats or allies in Raw’s landscape. The event in Riyadh is expected to escalate rivalries, reset power dynamics, and deliver moments that memory-hold fans will discuss for weeks. For now, Raw provided a clear, drama-forward road map to Royal Rumble 2026, inviting fans to tune in for a dramatic crescendo in Saudi Arabia.
Bottom line
Toronto’s Raw offered compelling storytelling and high-stakes matchups ahead of Royal Rumble 2026. AJ Styles vs. Gunther loomed as the centerpiece, while other segments strengthened the broader narrative arc. If this is any indication, Riyadh is set for a blockbuster weekend that could redefine the championship picture and set up future WWE chapters.
