The new year has arrived, and with it comes a flurry of excitement and anticipation in the world of professional wrestling. WWE Raw is set to premiere its first episode of 2026 on January 5, and this isn’t just any ordinary kickoff. The episode marks a full year since WWE Raw’s historic leap to Netflix, and to celebrate, fans can expect a night packed with high-stakes championship bouts, simmering rivalries, and a unique Stranger Things theme that promises to blend the worlds of sports entertainment and supernatural drama. If that’s not enough to get the adrenaline pumping, the wrestling community is also abuzz with the announcement of a brand-new wrestling academy—KECH Pro Wrestling—launched by none other than WWE superstar Rusev in Nashville, Tennessee.
It’s hard to overstate the significance of WWE Raw’s move to Netflix. When the red brand debuted live on the streaming giant on January 6, 2025, it marked a seismic shift in how wrestling fans consume their favorite weekly spectacle. Now, as the anniversary approaches, Netflix remains the exclusive home for Raw in the United States and a growing list of territories and countries worldwide. From American Samoa to Argentina, from Canada to the United Kingdom, fans can tune in to Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and even WWE’s premium live events, depending on their region. And the best part? All live WWE events are included in every Netflix plan, making it easier than ever to catch the action—no matter where you are.
This year’s premiere episode isn’t just about nostalgia or network milestones. The card is stacked, and the drama has been building for weeks. The main event features the combustible feud between Breakker and CM Punk, a rivalry that’s gone from playful jabs to all-out verbal warfare. Breakker, the rising star with wrestling in his blood, hasn’t shied away from challenging the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Punk, never one to back down, has fired back with some of the most scathing promos in recent memory, famously calling Breakker a “cross-eyed, neanderthal, nepo baby.” The tension finally boiled over when Breakker landed a spear on a distracted Punk, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive championship clash.
But wait—there’s more intrigue. In a shocking twist, Austin Theory was recently unmasked as the mysterious assailant who’s been aiding The Vision, raising questions about how far he, Reed, Paul, and even Heyman might go to influence the outcome of the title bout. Will they tip the scales in Breakker’s favor? Or will Punk’s experience and grit see him through yet another challenge? Fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering which version of CM Punk will show up when the bell rings. As Breakker himself demanded, “I want the old CM Punk.” The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with so many wild cards in play, anything could happen when the lights go down and the cameras roll on January 5.
Adding a supernatural twist to the evening, the episode will feature a Stranger Things theme, blending the eerie, neon-lit aesthetic of the hit Netflix series with the larger-than-life theatrics of WWE. It’s a creative crossover that’s sure to deliver unforgettable visuals and perhaps a few surprises lurking in the shadows. After all, if there’s one thing both WWE and Stranger Things know how to do, it’s keep audiences guessing!
While the world tunes in for Raw’s first show of the year, another major development is taking place behind the scenes. On January 2, WWE superstar Rusev announced the launch of his own wrestling academy, KECH Pro Wrestling, based in Nashville. The school is set to open its doors and begin classes on March 1, 2026, and Rusev is pulling no punches when it comes to his vision for the academy. In a video posted to social media, he declared, “The ring is on the way, the building is locked in, if you ever wanted to train like a pro, now is your chance!”
Rusev’s commitment to giving back to the wrestling business is part of a proud tradition. Legends like The Dudley Boyz, Rakishi, and Booker T have long run their own wrestling schools, shaping the next generation of talent. Now, Rusev joins the ranks of current superstars like Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, and Finn Balor who are investing in the future of the sport while still active in the ring. What sets KECH Pro Wrestling apart, however, is its inclusive approach. The academy will offer real pro wrestling training with a focus on fundamentals and character work, and there will be advanced classes for experienced wrestlers looking to hone their craft even further.
Perhaps most notable is KECH’s commitment to youth development. The school will offer beginner courses for children, joining a select group of wrestling academies nationwide that prioritize kid-friendly training. While places like The Monster Factory in New Jersey and Pure Pro Wrestling in Michigan have pioneered youth programs, KECH’s arrival in Nashville expands those opportunities and signals a broader movement in the industry. These courses emphasize not just in-ring safety, but also building confidence on the microphone and developing a well-rounded wrestling persona. It’s a chance for young fans to step into the squared circle and learn what it takes to become a star—under the tutelage of someone who’s been there and done it all.
Rusev’s last appearance on WWE TV came on November 28, 2025, where he lost to Jey Uso in the Last Time Is Now Tournament—a match that ultimately led to Gunther earning a shot (and a victory) against John Cena. Despite the setback, Rusev’s passion for the business remains undiminished, and his new academy is testament to his desire to “give back as much as they can to the business that gave them their livelihood.”
As the wrestling world stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, January 2026 is shaping up to be a month to remember. With WWE Raw’s anniversary episode promising fireworks both in and out of the ring, and the launch of KECH Pro Wrestling opening new doors for aspiring talent, fans have plenty to look forward to. Will Breakker finally dethrone CM Punk? Will Theory and his allies tip the balance? And who will emerge as the next breakout star from Rusev’s Nashville academy?
One thing’s for sure: the action is just getting started, and the road to WrestleMania—and beyond—looks as thrilling as ever.
