Shocking end to CM Punk vs AJ Styles on RAW as major face turn gets canceled in the main event

CM Punk and AJ Styles went head-to-head in a WWE ring for the first time ever on the January 26th episode of RAW, with the World Heavyweight Title on the line. However, it came to a shocking and abrupt end after a major face turn was seemingly canceled.

For context, this week on RAW, WWE teased it being AJ Styles’ final appearance on the red brand as an active in-ring competitor, as he goes up against Gunther in the Royal Rumble with his career on the line. CM Punk questioned his decision, but decided to put his World Title on the line anyway in a blockbuster main event and go-home show. Also, in a backstage segment, Finn Balor gave CM Punk his flowers as he didn’t last week following their World Title clash. Punk advised Balor to leave The Judgment Day for the sake of his legacy and to win the Royal Rumble so they can meet again at WrestleMania 42. However, when Finn Balor approached Adam Pearce, he was told that the Royal Rumble was full. There was also an unpleasant interaction Balor had with Liv Morgan, where she told him that The Judgment Day wants him to get better, advising him against what Punk told him.