As WWE Raw main event, CM Punk Bron Breakker, Tommy Dreamer comments, WCW classic match, and Sting Ric Flair surge in wrestling searches today, ECW legend Tommy Dreamer has heaped praise on the January 5 Raw showdown, likening Bron Breakker’s star-making performance to Sting’s breakout against Ric Flair decades ago.
The first WWE Raw of 2026 delivered a thriller in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, where World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk retained his title against the powerhouse challenger Bron Breakker in a chaotic, high-stakes main event. Despite interference attempts from The Vision faction and counters by Lucha stars like Rey Mysterio, Penta, and Dragon Lee, Punk ultimately prevailed with a devastating Go To Sleep after a brutal exchange of near-falls.
Tommy Dreamer, speaking on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, called the match “next level” and a defining moment for Breakker. “The people were standing… He main evented a show that drew 15,000 sold-out people in Brooklyn,” Dreamer said, emphasizing how Breakker pushed the veteran champion to the limit despite the loss.
Dreamer specifically drew parallels to the legendary March 27, 1988, Clash of the Champions I, where a young Sting battled NWA World Champion Ric Flair to a 45-minute time-limit draw. That bout catapulted Sting to superstardom, proving he belonged at the top. “That match helped elevate him [Sting], and it reminded me of Sting versus Ric Flair,” Dreamer noted, seeing the same elevation potential in Breakker’s strong showing.
The packed Barclays crowd roared throughout, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored Raw’s strong kickoff to the year—celebrating its Netflix anniversary with a Stranger Things theme.
Background on the classic: The Flair-Sting clash aired live on TBS, drawing massive ratings against WrestleMania IV and solidifying WCW’s challenge to WWF. Judges controversially ruled a draw after time expired, but Sting’s resilience made him “The Man” overnight.
Public reactions flooded X, with fans debating Breakker’s future—many calling for a Royal Rumble push or quick rematch. Wrestling analysts agree: Even in defeat, Breakker looked unstoppable, echoing Sting’s rise.
For U.S. readers, this resonates in sports entertainment culture. WWE’s storytelling builds heroes like Breakker, a second-generation star (son of Rick Steiner), inspiring young athletes in gyms nationwide. It boosts viewership on Netflix, enhancing accessibility for families and casual fans enjoying high-drama athletics from home.
Dreamer, the “Heart of ECW,” knows elevation when he sees it—having lived hardcore wars himself.
This comparison highlights timeless wrestling magic: A young lion testing the king, emerging stronger.
In summary, Dreamer’s nod to history spotlights Breakker’s ascent, signaling big things ahead. Outlook for 2026: Expect Breakker challenging for gold again soon, potentially mirroring Sting’s eventual championship glory.
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