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The first Monday Night RAW of 2020 saw Big Show's unexpected return, as well as Brock Lesnar's surprise entry into this year's Royal Rumble Match.
Although not on par with SmackDown, last night's episode of RAW was decent enough in parts, and then again some moments weren't all that noteworthy after it was all said and done.
What the Red Brand desperately needs is a storyline that is capable of captivating viewers from start to finish. Some of their feuds are good, but the show's mundane way of storytelling can become repetitive. Let's hope that Brock Lesnar's return spices things up on the Road to WrestleMania 36.
Here are a few interesting observations from this week's episode of Monday Night RAW (January 6, 2020).
#3: Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens' feud has deviated from its actual purpose
Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens have bad blood against each other on-screen. Owens' struggle to overcome the trio of AOP (Akam & Rezar) and Rollins gave fans reason to root for Owens during his seemingly impossible task.
After Big Show's return, however, the tables have turned. The inclusion of stars such as Samoa Joe and Big Show has shifted focus away from Owens and Rollins' rivalry.
Last night's Six-Man Tag Team main event will be rehashed next week, including a "fistfight" stipulation added during the upcoming episode.
As entertaining as Samoa Joe and Big Show's on-screen returns were, you can't help but think that it puts the heel faction of AOP and Seth Rollins at a disadvantage here. Heels bring conflict into a storyline and with Rollins' faction at a disadvantage, the stakes are reduced this time around.
Still, Big Show's return was entertaining to watch, but we have to keep in mind that an on-screen return doesn't singlehandedly help a feud in the long run.
#2: Asuka's RAW booking was questionable
Becky Lynch has lost to 'The Empress of Tomorrow' several times in the past. However, her on-screen presence is still more dominating than that of Asuka's. Although their history is a huge factor going into the RAW Women's Championship Match, Asuka looked somewhat weak as a character last night. Asuka's over-the-top approach towards rambling in front of Becky Lynch only to be knocked out by a single jab definitely didn't make her look strong as the Royal Rumble looms.
On the other hand, it would have been better if Asuka's on-screen portrayal was as strong as her track record against Becky Lynch in the ring. This would have made defeating Asuka a seemingly impossible task for Lynch heading into the Royal Rumble.
Lynch's dominance only shows us that 'The Man' is quite likely to hold on to her prestigious title, at least until WrestleMania 36.
#1: Brock Lesnar's surprise entry into the Royal Rumble Match will lead to interesting scenarios
The odds are stacked against Brock Lesnar as Paul Heyman announced that the WWE Champion would be the #1 entrant in this year's 30-Man Royal Rumble match. We will surely witness some dream sequences between Lesnar and stars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
If Lesnar loses the match, it will become obvious that the Superstar who eliminated him will face 'The Beast Incarnate' at this year's WrestleMania. From Kofi Kingston to Cain Velasquez, the list of Superstars who could potentially eliminate Brock Lesnar is endless. From a booking standpoint, you can see the direction WWE may be heading here.
As mentioned above, Lesnar's inevitable elimination essentially triggers the buildup to his WrestleMania 36 match and this means the winner of the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match will probably be facing 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt at the Grandest Stage of them All.
On the other hand, a Brock Lesnar victory at the upcoming pay-per-view may result in a unique situation where 'The Beast Incarnate' faces Bray Wyatt's alter-ego in April. Anything is possible in WWE.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
