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TLC is only a few hours away and I know that all you WWE fans must be incredibly excited. Even though the Universal Championship is not on the line, a lot of other titles will be defended at the show. But the RAW that will follow TLC could be an even more exciting affair. After all, we know that Vince McMahon will be returning.
WWE needs to continue the momentum from TLC on RAW. After all, RAW will be the official start of the build to the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. And we know that things do pick up as Rumble season draws nearer.
In this article, I shall name 5 surprises that could take place on this RAW episode. Be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments.
How do you think RAW will build to the Royal Rumble pay-per-view?
#5 Vince McMahon welcomes Kurt Angle back into RAW
Baron Corbin has been the man behind a lot of the events on RAW that have resulted in sinking ratings, at least in storyline. Vince McMahon is probably returning to set the record straight and relieve Corbin of his managerial duties for good. And who better to take Corbin's spot than the man who was sent away on vacation by Vince McMahon's own daughter?
Vince McMahon is certain to look like the big babyface when he returns to RAW, even though he was probably behind a lot of the decisions that the WWE Universe probably hasn't been very accepting of. However, Angle's return could be a feel good moment. It could signal that the Corbin era is over.
A babyface General Manager is never a bad thing. Oh, it's true!
#4 Lars Sullivan attacks Braun Strowman
Lars Sullivan vignettes have aired every single week on RAW and SmackDown Live, and fans have been wondering which brand he will eventually show up on. I have a feeling that he will show up on RAW, instead of SmackDown Live. And when he does, he will go after Strowman first.
As entertaining as Strowman's feud with Kevin Owens was, it is impossible to buy into the idea of Strowman as a babyface when the opponent does not size up to him, isn't it? Sullivan is a monster who does and the two men could have a great feud. Even if Strowman earns a shot at Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble, Sullivan could still be a thorn in the man's side.
And this is because Lesnar will not show up every single week. Sullivan and Strowman could keep things interesting on RAW, going forward.
#3 Shayna Baszler gets called up as well
Ronda Rousey faces a very similar problem to Strowman. Because of her booking, she is portrayed as a much stronger competitor than her opponents. There is perhaps nobody on RAW that can challenge her in a believable manner, after Nia Jax. And this is where Shayna Baszler could potentially come in.
Baszler and Rousey are best friends in real life. And because of this Stephanie McMahon could hire Baszler to take Rousey out. Sullivan may not be the only NXT call-up after WWE TLC.
Baszler vs. Rousey could be a pretty incredible match, all said and done, I think. The two women have strong MMA backgrounds and could slug it out.
It would certainly be a lot more interesting as a program for Rousey than another match with Nia Jax or Tamina Snuka for sure.
#2 The AoP fire Drake Maverick
The AoP were the most dominant team in NXT when they were allied with Paul Ellering. And then they got called up to RAW and Drake Maverick became their on-screen manager. It was a weird fit from the very start and it did nothing for anyone.
And now, the AoP has lost their RAW Tag Team Championships thanks to Drake Maverick getting pinned by Bobby Roode and Chad Gable on last week's show. This is a man who's done nothing for the two beasts on paper, and it is likely that the AoP will seek out the services of a new manager soon. Maverick could only be the face of 205 Live where he's doing a commendable job.
The AoP needs to be looked at as beasts. Not as a unit with a manager who urinates to get his way.
#1 Bray Wyatt makes his official return to RAW
Bray Wyatt has been missing in action for months now. The Eater of Worlds suffered a car accident and was given some time off to heal. We saw him return at WWE Starrcade to officially answer Baron Corbin's open challenge. This proves that he has been cleared and could make a return at any time.
Wyatt has spent a lot of time off screen and therefore will be blazing hot when he returns. The Eater of Worlds could potentially become the top heel or babyface on RAW. He can play either role with equal confidence, because of his immense talent.
Ultimately, RAW needs to be shook up leading up to the Royal Rumble and these 5 measures are a great way to do so. Suggest your own surprises in the comments section below.
Be sure to visit Sportskeeda for live coverage of TLC as well!
