WWE Raw: CM Punk return, ex-NXT Champions and more set for January 8 episode

WWE Raw kicked things off for 2024 in a big way with the thunderous return of The Rock and they've only just getting started. A week later, CM Punk will make his maiden WWE appearance of this year on WWE's flagship show in the headliner segment.

WWE made this announcement, last week to hype things up while they didn't note what the former champion will be involved in during his latest upcoming attendance. For the time being, he's booked to appear at the 30-man Royal Rumble match.

In an exciting encounter, Finn Bálor vs. Tommaso Ciampa matchup has been added to the lineup of Monday Night Raw. The story leading up to this match between two ex-champions began last week during a confrontation between Judgment Day and R-Truth.

The heel faction's Finn Bálor and Damian Priest successfully defended their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against The Creed Brothers on the December 18 edition of Raw and they're currently en route for a feud with Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.

It appears that the DIY members are vying for an opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships. Also, the match stipulation between Balor and Ciampa suggests that if the latter wins then a title match will be made official, possibly at Royal Rumble.

Speaking of The Rumble, WWE Raw will continue building things for Royal Rumble 2024, tonight, moving on from the unexpected turn of events noticed on the Day 1 edition of the show.

That leads to another exciting matchup between two current Rumble match participants Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura. Additionally, WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter will put their titles on the line against Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.

WWE Raw January 8 episode will be emanating from the MODA Center in Portland, Oregon and it will be the third-last episode before Royal Rumble 2024 PLE. The match card including a confirmed title bout is given below:

• Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
• WWE Women's Tag Team Title Match: Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (c) vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven
• CM Punk returns
• Finn Balor vs. Tomasso Ciampa (if Ciampa wins then Balor and Priest will be defending their tag titles against DIY)
• Kofi Kingston vs. Ludwig Kaiser
• JD McDonagh vs. The Miz