'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Shane McMahon made his return to WWE on last night's episode of Monday Night RAW (3rd August), and it certainly brought about a noteworthy development. The Chairman's son introduced RAW Underground, a concept where talents will fight each other in a ring with no ropes in a darkened room at WWE's Performance Center.
If nothing else, it is something different. Something that has created a buzz online, for better or for worse. RAW Underground offers a unique and gritty MMA-style setting, one radically different from the arena production we are used to seeing.
What happened on the first night of action on RAW Underground?
Shane McMahon's apparent brainchild has already done well in building fresh talents in WWE. Dabba-Kato, formerly known as Babatunde, made his RAW debut. Additionally, we saw Erik of the Viking Raiders and Dolph Ziggler pick up wins in "shoot" fights, with Shane O'Mac providing some commentary of sorts.
MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin showed up on RAW Underground at the end of the broadcast, destroying a bunch of talents and claiming the place as their own. This was a great ending to RAW, establishing the Hurt Business as the dominant force of RAW Underground.
And with the menacing trio in charge of the "underground" production, we could see several WWE Superstars make trips to RAW Underground simply to have a fight. And this concept should not be limited to the Red brand only, considering the number of talents who would greatly benefit from an appearance on RAW Underground.
WWE should utilize the quietly forgotten brand-to-brand invitational solely for us to see a couple of SmackDown stars show up on RAW Underground. That being said, there are a few names on RAW as well, who could make a sizable impact by competing in Shane McMahon's new "playground".
#5 Shayna Baszler
As a former UFC fighter, Shayna Baszler would be a logical fit for RAW Underground. She may be back on TV in a prominent position, facing RAW Women's Champion Sasha Banks on last night's episode. However, the top program is still very much between Banks and Asuka.
While the two of them settle their rivalry at SummerSlam, and possibly beyond, Baszler could get herself over by mauling some WWE trainees on RAW Underground. It would be fun to see a woman visit the room and clean house, with the 'Queen of Spades' a great option to do so.
Baszler could be the dominant female of RAW Underground, with women trying to step up to her, only to fail miserably. Imagine an all-out fight between her and Asuka, with no ropes and darker lights.
WWE has the opportunity to create gold with the two former NXT megastars on RAW Underground. The violence Asuka and Shayna Baszler could inflict on each other under this style only make it a more exciting part of the program.
#4 Matt Riddle
As you can see, Matt Riddle took to Twitter to point out how RAW Underground was similar to Game Changer Wrestling's events, called Bloodsport. The Original Bro was a huge part of the first one in 2018, with the event being titled after him. Riddle took on Japanese legend Minoru Suzuki, in a violent affair.
As another UFC alumnus, the SmackDown Superstar could showcase his MMA past on RAW Underground. Riddle could make his way to the new Red brand staple, without regard for any brand-to-brand discipline. It would be in line with his carefree attitude, bro.
Riddle would be a massive hit on RAW Underground, especially after the success of the NXT Fight Pit. He put on a fantastic match with Timothy Thatcher under the new concept, one that isn't too far away from this one.
Riddle has many dream encounters waiting for him at RAW Underground. He must definitely fight Bobby Lashley under Shane McMahon's watch in the very near future, with the two of them creating a beautiful war. There are very few WWE Superstars as lethal in the ring as Matt Riddle. That is exactly what you want from a RAW Underground competitor.
#3 Aleister Black
RAW Underground has a dark and gritty vibe to it. And there is probably no Superstar in WWE who fits that vibe better than Aleister Black. As somebody who has constantly asked for a fight, the "underground" club would provide the Dutch Destroyer with the perfect chance to inflict punishment on some sorry souls.
Black is currently off WWE TV, following his eye being damaged at the hands of Seth Rollins and Murphy. It is safe to say that he will return with a vengeance. And that return could be via RAW Underground. Black might be repackaged, after reports of Vince McMahon being worried that his character might limit him.
The fact that the Chairman remains a fan of the performer bodes well for Aleister Black, who could lean more into his kickboxing background. RAW Underground would absolutely be the perfect place to introduce Black's new character to WWE fans.
The former NXT Champion is another star whose strikes are extremely lethal. The Black Mass is one of the most devastating moves in WWE today and it would be a popular regularity on RAW Underground. Aleister Black is a perfect fit for the new concept.
#2 Sonya Deville
Yet another former MMA fighter on this list, Sonya Deville is one of the most interesting Superstars in WWE today. Ever since she and Mandy Rose split, the former Tough Enough competitor has been mightily impressive as a despicable heel. Her intense attitude would be welcome on RAW Underground.
Deville would have to move from SmackDown to RAW, which can be fixed easily through the booking of her rivalry with Rose. It doesn't seem like the Blue brand will offer any opportunities for her after this feud ends, so it would be best to attach a 'Loser Leaves SmackDown' stipulation to their eventual blowoff match.
This would be in addition to the likely 'Hair vs Hair' gimmick, following the events of last week's SmackDown, which saw Deville chop off some of Rose's hair. The former is likely to lose the match anyway, making for a very intriguing future for her. RAW Underground should be part of that future.
There is something about a bald Sonya Deville beating people up on RAW Underground that feels so right. It would put her over as a major threat, while installing a nasty mean streak following a massive transformation to her look. Deville could become a vicious killer on RAW Underground, and it will be wonderful.
#1 Brock Lesnar
This would make the entire RAW Underground experiment a rousing success. Obviously, the biggest link between WWE and MMA will forever be Brock Lesnar. He was extremely successful in UFC, returned to the squared circle, and has become the biggest star in Vince McMahon's wacky world. Lesnar is being sorely missed right now.
The Beast will not return to WWE TV until live crowds are back and similarly, RAW Underground is likely here to stay only until WWE can run full arena shows once again. To optimize the impact of this ambitious concept, Lesnar could directly play a part in the conclusion of the RAW Underground storyline.
Lesnar can return to WWE TV in a number of interesting ways, but an appearance on RAW Underground would certainly be as interesting, if not more so. Perhaps, there was a purpose to the Hurt Business showing up at Shane McMahon's "underground" club and dominating the place at the end of RAW. This might be the start of Bobby Lashley's build towards an eventual showdown with the Beast.
The Hurt Business could continue to dominate RAW Underground and take complete control of the operation, while Lashley constantly calls Lesnar out. He and Paul Heyman could make their WWE return by invading RAW Underground.
Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar would have a fight so bloody and violent, that RAW Underground is forced to shut down, ending the "underground" angle at the right time with a logical story in place. This will, hopefully, eventually culminate in a proper match between Lashley and Lesnar. A proper match in a ring with ropes. It makes complete sense.
