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We're just 24 hours removed from an explosive Extreme Rules pay per view and what a show it was. The eleventh event under this name, this year's show saw a huge return by The Undertaker, a barbaric Last Man Standing match between the Monster Among Men and the All Mighty, and Brock Lesnar successfully cash in his Money in the Bank contract.
For the Superstars of Monday Night RAW (as well as those part of the Wild Card rule), there will be no time to rest, as in just a few hours they will be in action, and after last night, there will be plenty on stake during the three-hour broadcast.
Here are five things you need to know before tonight's WWE Monday Night RAW.
#5: The Big Dog returns after tag victory
Roman Reigns is often seen in the main event, but last night at Extreme Rules, the Big Dog opened the show with a huge win, teaming with The Undertaker to topple Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre. A physical No Holds Barred affair, the two former WrestleMania opponents were able to co-exist long enough to see off the Best in the World and the Scottish Psychopath, in an epic start to the show.
But with Extreme Rules now behind us and the Demon of Death Valley presumably going back on hiatus once again, we can't help but wonder what is next for leader of the Roman Empire. Perhaps it is time to go after the Universal title once again, or maybe he has some unfinished business with McMahon and McIntyre. Either way, expect the Big Dog to be ready to fight tonight on Monday Night RAW.
#4: Maverick's historic reign continues
The WWE 24/7 Championship may be the newest title in town, but it has quickly become one of the most entertaining aspects of the entire company. The title, which must be defended at all times, is currently held by Drake Maverick, a two-time champion who last week became the longest-reigning 24/7 Champion in the title's (albeit) brief history.
Followed by his long-suffering wife, Renee Michelle, the champ has somehow been able to keep the title despite proudly wearing it wherever he goes. That doesn't mean Maverick's reign has been easy, as he has continuously been targeted by a gang of Superstars, including former champion R-Truth (who hilariously refers to Maverick as "Hornswoggle"). It'll be interesting to see whether the British Superstar is able to escape Monday Night RAW tonight with the title, or if it's time for a change.
#3: The Phenomenal States of America
AJ Styles' heel turn has been one of the more interesting parts of Monday Night RAW recently, and last night it paid dividends in a major way. Facing off against United States Champion Ricochet, Styles was able to topple the Aerial Assassin to win the patriotic title for the third time in his career, thanks to a big assist by his partners in The Club, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
With the Star-Spangled strap once again in his possession, and his Good Brothers by his side, it seems there is little that can stop the Phenomenal One as he continues to dominate since moving to the red brand in the Superstar Shakeup. Tune in tonight to see what Styles has to say as the new United States Champion, as well as what actions the former champion will take.
#2: The Man is on the hunt for a new challenger
WWE Extreme Rules may not have ended how Seth Rollins had hoped (we'll get to that next) but things did go well for Becky Lynch. Together, the pair retained their Universal and RAW Women's titles against Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans in a Mixed Tag, winner takes all, last chance match.
It is that final stipulation that carries so much weight, as now Evans is officially out of the title hunt after three consecutive losses on Pay Per View. With the Sassy Southern Belle out of the chase (for the time being), the Man will be on the hunt for a new challenger. There's no shortage of Superstars on the Raw who will be hoping to take the title from the Lass Kicker, and we may just find out who tonight.
#1: The Beast rules once again
We all knew it was only a matter of time before Brock Lesnar cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, and that time came at the expense of Seth Rollins. Cashing in on the Architect just moments after Rollins and Lynch retained their titles, the Beast once again rules his kingdom as a now three-time Universal Champion.
A huge win for Lesnar, time will tell whether the new champion will appear on Monday Night RAW tonight, and if he doesn't, when he will appear next. Under his past two reigns, Lesnar was often gone from the flagship show for months, angering the vast majority of fans and Superstars. And what will Rollins, now title-less, have to say about his loss in 15 seconds to the Beast? Tune in to RAW tonight to find out!
What are you looking forward to on Monday Night Raw tonight? Share your thoughts in our comments section.
For more WWE Monday Night Raw coverage, keep checking back with Sportskeeda!
