The January 5, 2026, edition of Monday Night RAW from Brooklyn was a bizarre, disjointed attempt at a cross-promotional spectacle that ultimately left fans feeling like they were trapped in a creative void.
Despite the high-stakes billing of the first RAW of the year and the one-year anniversary of the move to Netflix, the "Stranger Things" integration felt like a hollow gimmick that actively hindered the show’s momentum. Rather than providing meaningful storytelling, the "Upside Down" was represented more by the show's backwards logic and flat energy; while the production team leaned into the aesthetic with thematic filters and graphics, the creative execution failed to establish a genuine connection to the source material.
This failure extended to the live atmosphere, where the use of low-intensity "Stranger Things" music between segments reportedly subdued the Brooklyn crowd’s excitement instead of building tension.
This frustration was compounded by poorly managed teases from creative leadership, specifically regarding a potential Chris Jericho return that never materialized.
The in-ring product suffered as well, with match booking—particularly the Women’s Intercontinental Championship bout—feeling overly choreographed and lacking the necessary "seasoning," resulting in a finish that did little to elevate the competitors.
Even the night's biggest draw, a World Heavyweight Championship defense by CM Punk against Bron Breakker, was marred by sloppy moments and a chaotic, interference-heavy structure.
This over-reliance on bells and whistles felt like a missed opportunity for a clean, high-stakes battle to anchor the broadcast. Ultimately, the crossover was viewed as a waste of time and effort that prioritized aesthetic flair over the foundational booking and character work needed to kick off the new year effectively.
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