5 things WWE RAW got right before Day 1: Damian Priest snaps; NXT Superstar confronts former world champion

A fresh wave of COVID-19 cases hit WWE before RAW. Many performers were pulled from the show this week. The creative team worked with the resources available to put on the best possible go-home episode of RAW before the Day 1 pay-per-view.

Randy Orton was set to lead the pack as superstars like Bobby Lashley, Big E, Becky Lynch were absent. The Viper did well by coming out early and competing in a top match.

WWE also paired up 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke with Reggie to take on Tamina and R-Truth. The fun little contest helped fill some time on RAW.

The company also looked to crown the #1 contender for the RAW Tag Team Championships for Day 1 this week. The creative team did well to deliver a solid episode with the limited resources at hand. Take a look at the five things WWE got right on RAW this week.

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#5. RK-Bro picked up individual victories on WWE RAW

The final episode of WWE RAW of 2021 opened up with Riddle and Randy Orton. The red brand's Tag Team Champions looked to address the WWE Universe before Otis and Chad Gable came out.

After exchanging some words, the two teams got down to business. Chad Gable and Riddle squared off in the first contest of the night. The former was impressive with his technical skills, but the Orginal Bro used his strength to fight out.

In the end, he hit Gable with a running knee, followed by the Floating Bro for the win. After the match was over, Randy Orton and Otis geared up for the next match of the night.

The Viper attempted to strike with an RKO right away, but Otis countered it immediately. He hit a running splash and dominated the multi-time world champion for some time on RAW.

Orton struck outside the ring and sent him into the steel steps. The Legend Killer spiked him with a rope-hung DDT.

He prepared for an RKO, but Otis turned it into a power slam. The Dozer prepared to hit a Vader Bomb in the corner, but Orton took him down with an RKO for the win.

Both matches were good and allowed all four top RAW stars to open up the show well. Otis was great in the ring, and it was unfortunate for him to lose.

RAW did well to take Alpha Academy out of the title picture before Day 1, allowing The Mysterios and The Street Profits to stay in contention for the titles.

#4. The Street Profits booked their tickets for the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships at Day 1

The Mysterios and The Street Profits squared up to determine the challengers for RK-Bro's RAW Tag Team Championships at WWE Day 1.

Both teams were respectful as Dominik Mysterio, and Montez Ford shook hands after an early technical exchange. Angelo Dawkins came in soon after and quickly took down his smaller opponent.

Rey Mysterio mounted a comeback for his team and wiped out Dawkins and Ford. The action picked up as both teams went for their signature moves. Ford hit Rey with a massive frog splash, but Dom broke up the pin.

Ford survived a 619 and frog splash to remain in the contest. In the end, he and Dawkins finished off Dominik with a Blockbuster for the win.

It was good to see The Street Profits back in action this week. WWE made the right call by awarding them the win. It will likely lead to a stellar match between the RK-Bro and The Street Profits at Day 1.

#3. AJ Styles put down Apollo Crews instead of Omos on WWE RAW

AJ Styles was scheduled to face Omos on WWE RAW. However, the big man did not seem to be in the building. NXT’s Grayson Waller quickly interrupted the Phenomenal One during the segment.

Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez came out next and had a war of words with the former WWE Champion. It led to a one-on-one match between Styles and Crews.

Styles controlled the match early, but Crews quickly fired back and made the most of the opportunity. He slowed things down and wore out his opponent.

The former Intercontinental Champion showcased his impressive strength and pressed Styles above his head before dropping him on the apron. Styles used his experience to mount a comeback and hit a neck breaker for a close call.

The action picked up towards the end of the match, and AJ hit the Styles Clash for the win.

It was a great television match that helped elevate RAW. Omos was likely unavailable due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in the locker room, and Crews filled his giant shoes well. The change of plans will allow WWE to build an even bigger contest between Styles and Omos.

#2. Kevin Owens defeated Cedric Alexander on WWE RAW before Day 1

The recent COVID-19 outbreak in the company shelved many WWE RAW Superstars. This brought out Kevin Owens, the only fatal four-way competitor on the show on Monday night.

MVP Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin soon joined him. Their segment led to a match between KO and Alexander on Monday Night RAW.

Owens went on the offense early and kept Alexander on the backfoot. He hit a senton and a cannonball to knock the wind out of his opponent.

The former NXT Cruiserweight Champion hit a slam on the apron to gain control of the contest. KO fought back and stayed on top for some time. He hit a Stunner to pick up the win on RAW.

The contest was fun and gave KO some momentum before Day 1. WWE also took the opportunity to tease a full-fledged Hurt Business reunion. It will likely benefit Alexander and Benjamin, who have recently become nothing more than undercard talent.

#1. Damian Priest turned heel during his title defense on WWE RAW

Damian Priest defended his United States Championship against Dolph Ziggler in the biggest match of WWE RAW this week.

Ziggler used his heelish tactics to gain the upper hand. Priest countered a Zig-Zag attempt and hit a big boot to the face. The Show-Off used his experience well and tried to slow down his larger opponent. He ran Priest from corner to corner and slammed his head into the top turnbuckles.

Priest powered back and showcased his strength by hitting some impressive moves. Ziggler continued to sell them flawlessly and stayed alive to keep the action ticking. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion slapped Priest across the face to unleash his wrath.

The Archer of Infamy cornered Ziggler and swarmed him with strikes, ignoring the referee's five-count and forcing a disqualification. He finished off Ziggler with The Reckoning to end the segment on RAW.

It looks like Priest has officially turned heel as he can no longer keep his temper under control. Ziggler was a great opponent for him once again and sold his moves well.

The ending on RAW suggests that WWE could be saving a rematch between the two men at Day 1. They can put on another show if other top matches need to be pulled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.