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The anticipation was high for the very first RAW of the year, and WWE didn't let down the WWE Universe. With two title matches and a big return, it was a perfect way to start the new year.
RAW commenced with an appearance of the WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar, who entered his name in the Men's Royal Rumble match this year, and he will be the number one entrant. Andrade defended the US Championship successfully, defeating Rey Mysterio, while The Viking Raiders also retained their twin belts.
Aleister Black defeated Shelton Benjamin, but he was assaulted by Buddy Murphy. Becky Lynch and Asuka had another confrontation this week. Samoa Joe and Kevin Ownes surprised everyone by revealing Big Show as their new tag team partner.
In this article, we take a look at three hints WWE dropped on RAW this week.
#3 Kairi Sane will not be involved in the RAW Women's Championship feud
The RAW Women's Championship match is already set for Royal Rumble, as it was the first match to get confirmed from the Red brand. Becky Lynch will face the woman whom she has not been able to conquer yet. It will be a rematch from last year and should be an outstanding contest.
With a different attire, The Man showed up on RAW this week. While she was hyping the match for the RAW Women's Championship, she was confronted by her challenger, Asuka. However, Kairi Sane, the tag team partner of Asuka, wasn't accompanying her.
Upon entering the ring, the Empress of Tomorrow was taken down by Beck Lynch.
Even though Asuka has a partner in Kairi Sane and showed up together a few weeks ago, WWE hinted that the Pirate Princess will not be part of this feud anymore. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Sane participates in the Women's Royal Rumble match.
The exclusion of Kairi Sane will allow the RAW Women's Championship match to have a fair result unless Asuka uses the green mist once again.
#2 The next match between Buddy Murphy and Aleister Black will have a stipulation
Aleister Black wrestled Shelton Benjamin in a singles match this week. While Benjamin gave a good contest to the Dutch Destroyer, the latter stood tall after connecting a vicious Black Mass. However, Black didn't get time to celebrate his victory, as he was immediately attacked by Buddy Murphy.
Knocking on the door of Aleister Black, Buddy Murphy started this rivalry, and they already crossed paths on two occasions. Black reigned supreme both at TLC as well as on RAW last week. Given their in-ring dexterity, the two men delivered astounding matches whenever they locked horns with each other and another match will be nothing short of spectacular.
When Murphy assaulted Black on the Red brand, it was not only limited to the ring but also outside the ring. The former NXT Champion was knocked out by the former Cruiserweight Champion with a steel chair, hinting a possible stipulation for their next bout.
As Black and Murphy already fought in normal matches, their next match is likely to have a new stipulation, and it will not be surprising if the two hard-hitting wrestlers take on each other in a No Disqualification match.
#1 The Superstar to eliminate Brock Lesnar could receive a title shot
A huge announcement was made on RAW this week when Brock Lesnar appeared with Paul Heyman. Since no credible opponent is left to face The Beast Incarnate, the WWE Champion himself will take part in the traditional Royal Rumble match, and he will enter the match at number one spot. However, Lesnar's title will not be on the line against 29 other men.
The last Royal Rumble winner was from RAW, and it is possible that a SmackDown Superstar could win it this year, earning an opportunity to challenge the Universal Champion. As Lesnar will be the first entrant of the match, it will not be easy for him to defeat 29 other men, even if he is the most dominant name in WWE.
The question remains who could be the next challenger for Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36, and the question could be answered at Royal Rumble this year. Whoever manages to eliminate Lesnar at Royal Rumble might earn the right to challenge the WWE Champion at the Grandest Stage of Them All. Eliminating The Beast Incarnate will be a difficult task and expect a gigantic name to get the job done.
