After getting destroyed in ratings by SmackDown Live, Monday Night Raw will be rolling out a jam-packed episode in an attempt to get their momentum back.
Aided by two huge returns and an interesting handicap match, the show does look interesting when compared to the past few weeks. But as WWE have a habit of disappointing their fans, it would be unrealistic to keep the expectations high.
The buildup for Royal Rumble and developing the stories of the undercard championships would be other major segments to watch out for on the show. In the list below, we are going to preview the upcoming edition of Monday Night Raw and the possible segments that WWE could give us.
#5 Reason behind HBK’s return
If you need reasons to tune into this week’s show, I got two legendary ones: Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.
Taker and Michaels are all set to make their returns to Raw this week and it would be interesting to see how WWE is going to make use of these two. The efforts that WWE is putting together to sell out Royal Rumble are evident and bringing in these two hypes the show perfectly.
Michaels will most likely be appearing to plug his new film “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone,” and keeping expectations low would thus be recommended. However, Undertaker could be appearing to make a huge announcement that might turn out to be the highlight of this week’s Raw.
#4 Building up Neville
The buildup that WWE has been giving Neville deserves some appreciation. His return had shaken up the division as a whole and rather than banking on it quickly, WWE decided to let Neville run over some big names in the division before he could get to the gold.
This past week, Neville got an impressive win over TJ Perkins, which in turn takes him one step closer to the Cruiserweight championship.
A match between Rich Swann vs. Neville is where WWE is heading to and the only question now would be about the timing of this match. WWE should be careful about not stretching it too much as it could take the momentum away from Neville.
#3 The Royal Rumble additions
There are still slots to be filled for the Royal Rumble match. Last week, on Raw, New Day revealed that they would be entering the match. Braun Strowman and Chris Jericho also proved to be additions for the match while WWE had earlier confirmed the appearances of Brock Lesnar and Goldberg.
A couple of names were added on SmackDown live as well but there is still plenty of room for adding new ones.
WWE could come up with qualifying matches or some interesting segments to announce the new names and it would be a great way to fill the three-hour show. As the segment will have an actual purpose, the fans will be invested as well.
#2 Handicap for the gold
One of the most interesting matches on Monday Night Raw this week would be the handicap showdown for the United States championship.
Reigning champion Roman Reigns will defend his gold against Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens simultaneously, indicating that there is a chance of seeing Owens and Jericho as co-champions.
While it might end with Reigns retaining the gold with help from Seth Rollins, considering how badly the US title has been treated during the reign of Reigns, it would be better if WWE took a risk and let Owens and Jericho win.
It could serve as the seed for a breakup between the two and it would also be a great ode to Chris Jericho who has been exceptional throughout his current spell with WWE.
#1 Bayley gets her shot, Sasha gets Nia
Last week, WWE crowned a new contender for the Raw women’s championship.
Bayley defeated Nia Jax with some help from Sasha Banks to become the new contender and now, she has a guaranteed title shot against Charlotte, which is most likely to happen at Royal Rumble.
Bayley feuding with Charlotte and Dana Brooke with the title as the prize is what WWE can move forward with.
Also, thanks to what happened last week, WWE also has a second storyline in their women’s division. Nia Jax will not be happy with how Sasha Banks interfered in the match last week and would be probably be looking for revenge.
It would be a great cool –off feud for Sasha who should be away from the title picture for some time.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
