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The second RAW the year exceeded expectations from last week, with several fantastic matches. While the first-ever Fist Fight took place in the main event, the show also had a number of unexpected twists.
The show opened with a huge triple threat match, as Drew McIntyre secured a victory over Randy Orton and AJ Styles. Charlotte Flair continued to build momentum, earning an easy win over Sarah Logan.
Asuka and Becky Lynch signed the official contract for their Royal Rumble match. Aleister Black and Buddy Murphy wrestled for the third time, and they delivered another awe-inspiring match. Conquering Big Show, Kevin Owens, and Samoa Joe, Seth Rollins and AOP won the first-ever Fist Fight match, after an assist from Buddy Murphy.
Let's take a look at five hints WWE dropped on RAW this week.
#5 Rusev will not get a push despite being over as a face
A rematch from TLC took place on RAW, where Rusev faced Bobby Lashley. While their TLC bout had a stipulation, it was a normal match on the Red Brand, but Rusev failed to take redemption of his previous defeat at TLC.
Similar to TLC, Lana also played a big role in Bobby Lashley's victory on RAW. Liv Morgan, who made a shocking revelation on the wedding of Lana and Lashley, interrupted the bout, but she was assaulted by Lana in the ringside. Lashley took advantage of the situation and delivered a vicious Spear to Rusev.
Since the start of this feud, Rusev has been over as a babyface, yet WWE doesn't have a big plan for him, giving a hint of it on RAW this week. It was the second loss for Rusev in two matches against Lashley. However, it will be interesting to see if Rusev manages to change his fortunes in the Mixed Tag Team match, which is scheduled to happen next week.
#4 The RAW Tag Team Titles might not be defended at Royal Rumble
Royal Rumble is a gigantic event and a majority of the titles get defended at the pay-per-view. Considering the current storyline of the RAW Tag Team Championship, the twin belts might not be on the line at Royal Rumble.
The Viking Raiders, the reigning RAW Tag Team Champions, threw an open challenge to the RAW locker room this week. Their challenge was answered by The Singh Brothers, which certainly surprised the champions. The Viking Raiders took little time to squash The Singh Brothers.
With just two weeks left for Royal Rumble, there was no progress in the RAW Tag Team Storyline, and it is feasible not to have challengers for The Viking Raiders. Only two teams have been in the title picture, challenging the Viking Raiders in the past few months.
The reigning champions already defeated The O.C. and The Street Profits in a triple threat tag team match last week. If The Viking Raiders don't defend the twin belts at Royal Rumble, they might take part in the men's Royal Rumble match.
#3 Aleister Black might join Big Show, Kevin Owens, and Samoa Joe
Aleister Black and Buddy Murphy, two proficient performers in the squared circle, delivered another incredible match on RAW. The two Superstars produced the match of the night, but the result didn't alter from their previous encounters. Although Murphy gave a close fight, Black kept his unbeaten streak alive.
However, a major twist took place after the match. Murphy looked lost after failing to beat Black, and the former was sitting in the ringside, refusing to give an interview as well. When the Fist Fight took place in the main event of the night, Buddy Murphy changed the complexion of the match, joining hands with Seth Rollins and AOP. With the help of the former Cruiserweight Champion, the heels won the match and stood tall.
With Buddy Murphy joining hands with Seth Rollins and the AOP, the trio of Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, and Big Show need a new member to even the numbers game, and there is no better choice than Aleister Black, who beat Buddy Murphy thrice in a row. Expect Black to join hands with the face trio next week.
#2 The green mist will create an obstacle for Becky Lynch
The RAW Women's Championship match is set for Royal Rumble, and the official contract signing took place on RAW this week. Whenever a contract signing happens, a twist usually occurs to ignite the feud, and it wasn't different on RAW. While both women signed the official contract, things didn't end well for the champion, Becky Lynch.
Accompanied by Kairi Sane, Asuka entered the ring to sign the contract. Kairi Sane was trying to disrupt it, but she was forced to leave by Becky Lynch. After the signing was over, Asuka spat the green mist on Lynch's face, which blindsided The Man. Lynch was screaming in pain, and the segment hinted a possible threat Lynch could face from Asuka at Royal Rumble.
While facing Asuka in tag team matches, Lynch faced a similar fate. With the help of green mist, Asuka pinned Becky Lynch in a tag team match a couple of months ago. With that in mind, Lynch needs to find a way to counter green mist from Asuka if the former wants to retain the RAW Women's Championship at Royal Rumble.
#1 Drew McIntyre is set for a big push
Several names have been confirmed to take part in the Royal Rumble this year. Three Royal Rumble entrants from RAW - Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles- squared off in a triple threat match this week.
As three gigantic names of the Red Brand took part in the match, it was hard to pick a winner. Beating two former WWE Champions, Drew McIntyre made a strong statement, gaining momentum before heading to Royal Rumble, which is just two weeks away.
There is no doubt that McIntyre is one of the bright prospects of the RAW roster, and he will be one of the favorites to win the men's Royal Rumble match this year. After failing to reach his potential last year, the Scottish Psychopath looks determined to make a great start to the year. Before winning the triple threat match on RAW, he also won a couple of singles matches in the past few weeks, gaining confidence.
McIntyre's performance on RAW hinted WWE will book him strongly at Royal Rumble even if he doesn't win the Battle Royal match. As Brock Lesnar will be part of the match, McIntyre could make an impact if he eliminates The Beast at Royal Rumble.
