5 things you need to know before tonight's WWE Monday Night RAW

In just a few short hours, the WWE will once again host the latest installment of Monday Night RAW.

As the WWE Universe continues on the road to WrestleMania, everyone on Monday Night is hoping to show why they deserve to be a part of the biggest show of the year.

And for some, the opportunity to showcase themselves will come at Fastlane, the final pay per view on the road to the showcase of the immortals.

There are already some huge matches announced for Fastlane, with plenty more matches to be announced.

But before this last pit-stop on the road to WrestleMania, the men and women of the red brand will need to survive tonight, which is already shaping up to be a colossal show.

Here are five things you need to know before tonight's edition of WWE Monday Night RAW.

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5: A Woo-lcome Return

The Nature Boy has already started celebrating the big 7-0.

With a record-tying 16 world championships to his name, as well as two WWE Hall of Fame rings, it's safe to consider Ric Flair one of the greatest of all time.

Appearing in the NWA, WCW, and WWE, Flair perfected his craft for decades and is considered one of the most influential stars ever.

This is why it is so appropriate that tonight, the company will host a special birthday celebration for the Nature Boy, who is turning 70 years old.

When you've had a career as Flair has, you should expect some big names on the guest list, one of whom will be Charlotte, who has forged an incredible career in her own right.

The Nature Boy is no stranger to wild nights, though tonight may take the literal cake.

#4 Who will step up to Boss 'n Hugs?

Sasha Banks and Bayley pose with their new WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.

At the Elimination Chamber pay per view, Bayley and Sasha Banks made history when they became the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

The top tag team in the women's division, both the Boss and the Huggable One have campaigned for the titles for years, so it is only fitting that they are the first champions.

But these title belts have quickly become targets for the duo, who now find themselves the enemy of every team on RAW and SmackDown Live.

The question remains though: which team will be the first to challenge the new champions for the coveted gold.

Whoever it is, expect the Boss 'n Hugs Connection to give it their very all, as they discover winning championship gold is a lot easier than holding on to it.

#3 The NXT Invasion continues

Ricochet is just one of several NXT stars looking to jump to Monday Nights.

Now, nearly seven years into its revamp, NXT continues to produce some of the finest talents in WWE.

You just need to look at the RAW roster of today to see the developmental ground's success, with current champions such as the Revival, the Boss 'n Hugs Connection and Finn Balor all coming from NXT.

Last week, the WWE Universe witnessed four more NXT stars make their presence known on the main roster: Ricochet, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano, and reigning NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa.

All four have held gold in NXT, and now fans wonder what is next for them as they transition to the main roster.

Much like fellow NXT Callups such as EC3 and Lacey Evans, the quartet is yet to formally decide which brand they will appear exclusively on, though there's no shortage of dream matches regardless of if they pick red or blue.

#2 What is Dean Ambrose thinking?

Ambrose was baffled that Rollins didn't have his back last week.

Dean Ambrose has always been a little unstable, but last week the Lunatic Fringe delved into a new level of bizarre.

Despite turning on his Shield-brother Seth Rollins in October (something Rollins admittedly did to Ambrose four years prior), Ambrose was apparently shocked when the Architect didn't come to his aid last week when he faced off against Drew McIntyre.

It does make sense that Dean would want Rollins in his corner, as the pair have both been successful as individuals and as a united front.

With that said. the days of the pair teaming together seem a distant memory, and we can't help but wonder if the self-proclaimed moral compass of the WWE actually expected Rollins to forgive and forget, or is there something else to this erratic behavior by the former champion.

#1 The Big Dog speaks

Reigns forfeited the WWE Universal Championship in October last year due to Leukemia.

Roman Reigns' departure from WWE remains one of the most heart-breaking moments in recent RAW history.

The Universal Champion at the time, Reigns forfeited the title last October, after announcing the return of his leukemia, which plagued him years ago.

The speech Roman gave had everyone hooked, as many who had spent years booing the Big Dog were brought to tears by this shocking, terrible news.

And tonight, for the first time since October, Reigns will appear live on RAW to address his treatment and diagnosis.

Hopefully, the fact that Reigns is able to appear live in person is good news for the former champion, who no-doubt wishes to wrestle once again.

Whatever Roman has to say tonight, expect everyone to be paying attention when they tune in to Monday Night RAW.