Currently, everyone's sights are set on WWE WrestleMania 33, and rightfully so. Say what you will about the card, but it certainly has the potential to be a phenomenal pay-per-view.
However, as exciting as WrestleMania 33 and NXT TakeOver: Orlando are, the exhilarating festivities don't end with the Show of Shows. The fun continues on the next night's always-unpredictable edition of Raw when virtually anything can happen and surprises are always in store for fans.
This year's epic instalment should be no different, and it's never too early to start placing bets what will happen on that monumental Monday night. Thus, here are five predictions you can bank on for the post-WrestleMania edition of Raw.
#5 Goldberg says goodbye
Goldberg will be defending his Universal Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 33 against Brock Lesnar, though rumours have been running rampant for months that WrestleMania 33 will be his swan song as an active competitor.
When Goldberg originally returned to the company late last year, he was reportedly only around for one match against Lesnar at Survivor Series. Of course, it quickly became clear that he had signed through WrestleMania at the very least once he made short work of Lesnar at the event.
As of now, there is no indication he will be re-signing after WrestleMania 33, which would mean he'll lose the Universal title to his archenemy before calling it a career. The next night on Raw, expect him to bid farewell to the WWE Universe one final time and potentially deliver a scintillating Spear to someone on the way out.
#4 Sasha Banks turns heel
As popular as Sasha Banks is as a babyface, it's extremely evident that she is far more comfortable in the heel role. Her character work has been lacking on the main roster so far, but a heel turn should completely rejuvenate her stagnant persona.
Of course, it's more a matter of when it will happen than if, and if it isn't going to occur before WrestleMania 33, WWE might as well save the big moment until after the event. The seeds have already been planted in recent months, and thus her turning on Bayley would be optimal.
Regardless of who wins the Raw Women's Championship Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 33, Banks and Bayley should emerge from the matchup as enemies. The women's division on Monday nights has been missing a strong story for months now, but beginning the build to a Bayley vs. Banks match at a pay-per-view down the road the night after 'Mania would be the ultimate solution.
#3 Finn Balor returns
Fans have been highly anticipating the return of Finn Balor for months, and finally, he resurfaced at a Raw live event in Buffalo, NY. All signs pointed to Balor being back on WWE TV in time for the March 13 edition of Raw, but he was nowhere to be seen on last Monday night.
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At this point, it looks like WWE might be holding off on Balor's long-awaited comeback until WrestleMania 33 at the earliest, but in what capacity he would appear remains unknown. Even then, with it being the Show of Shows, Balor would be best saved for the post-WrestleMania Raw to ensure that he isn't overshadowed by everything occurring at 'Mania.
The last time we saw Balor, he was forced to relinquish the Universal Championship, so it's safe to say he'll want to get the gold back in his possession upon his return. Having him come face-to-face with the (likely) new champion Brock Lesnar would be nothing short of a spectacular sight.
#2 Kurt Angle becomes the new general manager
Kurt Angle lit the wrestling world ablaze when it was announced he would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame over WrestleMania 33 weekend. It wasn't long before fans began to speculate what the future would hold for him as an on-air character on WWE programming.
Recently, it was reported that he was slated to appear at the post-WrestleMania tapings for Raw and SmackDown Live. Angle has yet to rule out an in-ring return for WWE, but it is much likelier WWE wants him back in a non-wrestling role for now, presumably as general manager.
Besides, it was only one week ago that Mick Foley stood up to Stephanie McMahon and Triple H on Raw and seemed to be on the verge of getting fired. Foley's dismissal from his position of power is inevitable, and when that happens one night removed after WrestleMania, enter Angle.
#1 Shinsuke Nakamura debuts
NXT call-ups have been a staple of the post-WrestleMania Raw for years, and there are a few different candidates who could show up one this year's ever-exciting episode. Tye Dillinger had a one-off appearance in the Royal Rumble, Asuka could be ready to wreck havoc any day now, but Shinsuke Nakamura debuting that night is virtually a guarantee.
Nakamura was conspicuous by his absence on the poster promoting NXT's upcoming tour of the United Kingdom this June, while everyone else was present. He will receive his rematch for the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Orlando, but beyond that, he has done it all on the black-and-yellow brand.
Now, there is a very good chance he will be signed to SmackDown Live instead, and there is no telling whether SmackDown that same week will be just as must-see as Raw. But Raw will have the hotter crowd of the two, and if WWE wants to make the moment as memorable as possible with the crowd singing his epic entrance music, he will arrive on Raw the night after WrestleMania.
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