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SmackDown started the new year with an action-packed episode, and it is time for the Red Brand to deliver the same. Already two title matches are set for the show, while Brock Lesnar is also set to appear this week.
Rey Mysterio, who lost the US Championship to Andrade a few weeks ago, will get the opportunity to reclaim the belt in a rematch this week. A gigantic triple threat tag team match is scheduled to take place on RAW, where Viking Raiders, the RAW Tag Team Champions, will put their belts on the line against The Street Profits and The OC. As Lesnar is scheduled to appear on the Red Brand, he is likely to find out who his Royal Rumble opponent will be.
In this article, we predict three things we could see on RAW this week.
#3 AJ Styles helps The OC win the RAW Tag Team Titles
The Viking Raiders will face their biggest challenge to date when they lock horns with two huge teams from the Red Brand. Winning the twin red belts a few months ago, the champions defended their titles a couple of times but never in a triple threat tag team match. As the rules of Triple Threat matches go, the champions don't need to get pinned to lose the belts.
While AJ Styles is the leader of The OC, Randy Orton also aligned with The Viking Raiders, not too long ago. As a result, an interference of either AJ Styles or Randy Orton can't be ruled out, considering the latter already proved that he wasn't injured last week. Meanwhile, The Street Profits are also a great team, and they made a statement, pinning The OC on RAW last week.
Being a bad guy, Styles has a bright chance of influencing the result of the match on RAW this week. If The OC are to win the match, they are unlikely to pin The Viking Raiders. By pinning the Street Profits, The OC could redeem their previous loss.
#2 AOP cost Rey Mysterio the US Championship match
It's not often that a champion loses his title on a live show, but a title change took place two weeks ago when Rey Mysterio defended the US Championship against Andrade at MSG. Surprising everyone in the arena, Andrade secured a victory with a Hammerlock DDT, winning his first title on the main roster in the process. After missing RAW last week, Mysterio will receive a rematch for the US Championship this week.
Andrade has been impressive after switching brands a few months ago. While he kept an unbeaten streak on the Red brand for several weeks, he also won his first title on the main roster. Therefore, it is clear that WWE has big plans for the talented Superstar, and he is likely to get a significant title reign to make an impact.
Given Mysterio's recent beef with AOP and Seth Rollins, it is feasible that they could interfere in the match. Moreover, Samoa Joe joined hands with Kevin Owens last week, but they need one more name to even out the numbers. Since AOP and Seth Rollins have been targeting the three-time WWE Champion, they could cost Rey Mysterio the US Championship match on RAW this week.
#1 Cain Velasquez returns and challenges Brock Lesnar for a rematch
Brock Lesnar's last match was at Survivor Series, where he defended the WWE Championship against Rey Mysterio. Having skipped TLC, it will be Lesnar's first appearance in a while. With most babyfaces involved in their own feuds, the question remains as to who could stand up and challenge The Beast Incarnate for a match at Royal Rumble.
Making his debut on the Fox premiere of SmackDown, Cain Velasquez, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, took WWE by storm. Stretching their rivalry from the octagon to the squared circle, Velasquez and Lesnar collided at Crown Jewel, where the latter avenged his UFC loss. Although Velasquez is currently signed to WWE, he hasn't been on TV since his defeat in Saudi Arabia.
Three big names returned to SmackDown last week, and hence, it will not be surprising if a number of big names return on RAW, including Cain Velasquez. The former foes could restart the rivalry from where they left off at Crown Jewel. Given Velasquez's UFC victory over Lesnar, the former could be a believable threat to the WWE Champion at Royal Rumble.
