3 Interesting observations from this week's RAW (January 14, 2019)

This week's edition of WWE Monday Night RAW (14th January 2019) saw a lot of contrasting moments. Right from Bobby Lashley becoming the new Intercontinental Champion to Finn Balor earning his right as the #1 contender for the Universal Championship by defying all odds, last night's episode had it all.

Thankfully, the episode itself was great. All segments blended well into each other as one cohesive unit and there were a lot of takeaways from the show as well.

With Royal Rumble taking place just two weeks away from now, let us take a look at some interesting observations from last night's episode of Monday Night RAW...

---

#3: The opening segment was one of the most memorable bits in recent memory

RAW seems to be getting a hold of the 'opening segment' formula

One of the great aspects of producing a top-notch show is by portraying a great beginning, middle and an end.

While RAW managed to deliver on all three fronts this week, it is safe to say that the opening segment was clever and innovative too.

Braun Strowman and Baron Corbin set up a premise in a promo that kicked off a chain of events. The best moments occurred when Strowman chased Corbin backstage- From The Singh Brothers' comedic bit to Elias roaming around like a 'drifter' (that was a nice touch) backstage, it seemed as if each and every small moment added up to a huge set of positives.

Of course, Mr. McMahon wasn't too pleased when The Monster Among Men destroyed his limousine, and the latter did pay for that. Strowman is no longer part of The Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View. This plotline would, later on, lead to the end of the show, where Finn Balor would defy all odds set against him in order to become the new #1 contender for Brock Lesnar's title.

This is some good piece of writing, where the show is treated as a collective whole instead of small, separate bits.

#2: What's up with the random cameos?

Several fresh faces made cameos on RAW last night

After weeks of WWE teasing us with several new faces on the roster, namely Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, EC3, Nikki Cross and Heavy Machinery- each and every one of those names, except Lars Sullivan (who was reportedly scheduled to appear on RAW last week) appeared on last night's Monday Night RAW.

Unconventionally, WWE made a slick decision by opting to portray them in smaller events, or even a bizarre one. Otis Dozovic of Heavy Machinery appeared from out of nowhere during 'A Moment Of Bliss' starring Alexa Bliss and Paul Heyman. Otis seemed fixated on Alexa Bliss, leading to an uncomfortable series of moments before Tucker Knight dragged him backstage with the help of some officials. Needless to say, an abrupt end to "A Moment Of Bliss" resulted into a seamless transition to the main event.

EC3 and Lacey Evans made backstage cameos as well, while Nikki Cross participated in a six-woman tag team match on the same night.

Regardless of what you thought about last night's RAW, it was certainly a bold and interesting decision on WWE's behalf to opt for a subtle route for some new superstars (on the main roster) in this case...

#1: Despite drastic alterations, The Universal Title scenario might yield the same results

Does Finn Balor stand a chance against Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View?

In a span of one single night, Monday Night RAW kicked off with Strowman being cast away from the Universal Title picture. But the episode ended with a new #1 contender being announced for Lesnar's Universal Title, that is, Finn Balor.

It is certainly good to see Balor being pushed to the top, after all, Balor's hard work alone has resulted in a favorable outcome.

But that leaves us with one crucial question- Does it become more obvious that Brock Lesnar's chances of retaining the title are increased? The answer would be yes. Regardless of who Lesnar was going to face at the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View, chances are that the Beast Incarnate would be the one standing tall in the end.

Nevertheless, it is commendable that Finn Balor would at least shine in the spotlight for a while, even if there are fewer chances of him being crowned as new Universal Champion.

Thanks for reading this article and share it around to spread the word. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, and stay tuned for more.