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This week's episodes of WWE RAW and SmackDown were all about showcasing the best WWE has to offer, with plenty of talking points as we edge closer to the Day 1 pay-per-view.
The event is just a couple of weeks away now, and the card is starting to take shape as the company looks to kick off the new year in style. RAW and SmackDown saw many storylines advance to critical stages as key narratives hit another gear.
On WWE RAW, there was fallout from Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan's RAW Women's Title match from the previous week, plus Miz TV returned.
SmackDown saw Universal Champion Roman Reigns return with Brock Lesnar also in the house, plus a number of highly-exciting contests in the ring.
That being said, let's take a look at five WWE Superstars who impressed this week.
#5 Brock Lesnar attacks Roman Reigns, after the Universal Champion fired and Superman Punched Paul Heyman on WWE SmackDown
The segment that ended SmackDown this week was one of the best we have seen this year. After waiting all night for The Tribal Chief to arrive at the arena, Paul Heyman headed to the ring with The Bloodline as Roman Reigns had something to say.
Reigns' focus was on Paul Heyman following last week's action, where Heyman once again refused to confirm he was Brock Lesnar's advocate. Earlier in the night, Heyman had seemingly spurred on Lesnar to attack Sami Zayn.
Roman Reigns, in front of the Chicage crowd, asked Paul Heyman again whether he knew Brock was returning at SummerSlam. Whether he knew that Brock Lesnar's suspension had been lifted, and more importantly, why he was protecting The Beast Incarnate.
Paul Heyman brilliantly responded by saying, "I'm not protecting Brock Lesnar from Roman Reigns, but I'm protecting Roman Reigns from Brock Lesnar." The penny dropped for the Head of the Table who embraced Heyman and thanked him, before delivering a devastating Superman Punch to him.
Just as The Bloodline was about to inflict more damage on Heyman, Brock Lesnar made his way out. He decimated The Uso's at ringside before entering the ring and delivering not one, but two F5's to the stunned Universal Champion.
It was a critical step in the Roman/Brock/Heyman storyline arc as we head towards this huge battle to kick off 2022 at Day 1. Somehow, their match on January 1 feels bigger than the rest of their blockbuster encounters.
Much of that credit has to go to Brock Lesnar for his exceptional work, not just on this particular night, but since his return in August.
#4 The Viking Raiders got time to shine on WWE SmackDown
We had quite the surprise on WWE SmackDown this week. We finally got a chance to see The Viking Raiders compete in a meaningful match. There was even talk about the SmackDown Tag Team Championship throughout the match, which could mean big things on the horizon.
Although it appeared the match was just thrown together with no story behind it, The Viking Raiders made the most of their opportunity and overcame Jinder Mahal and Shanky to claim an impressive win.
#3 Otis claims a big victory on RAW
Who remembers when Otis was involved in a romantic storyline with Mandy Rose? Those days are now long gone as the transformed superstar is making his presence felt on the red brand.
Otis, with Chad Gable by his side, picked up a key victory, beating one-half of the RAW Tag Team Champions on RAW. He defeated Riddle, showcasing just exactly what he is all about. He even managed to escape an RKO from Randy Orton post-match.
It looks as though we'll see more of Otis' dominance in the coming weeks.
#2 Toni Storm & Sasha Banks deliver on WWE SmackDown
What a way to kick off WWE Smackdown this week with Toni Storm & Sasha Banks vs. SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair & Shotzi. The company had so much faith in the match that it spanned over two commercial breaks, lasting just over 18 minutes.
Toni Storm and Sasha Banks excelled, with the 80's Wild Child picking up a crucial victory over the champion. Charlotte Flair and Storm will now collide with the SmackDown Women's Title on the line next week on SmackDown.
No doubt she will have Sasha Banks by her side guiding her to make sure she overcomes 'The Queen'.
#1 Bobby Lashley shows why he is all mighty on RAW
This week certainly belongs to 'The All Mighty' Bobby Lashley. He kicked off RAW demanding that he be given a World Championship opportunity. Officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville told Lashley he would have to defeat Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins and the champion Big E, individually, to get his chance.
Bobby Lashley did just that with the help of MVP, overcoming the odds to claim his place at Day 1. The match has now become a Fatal 4 Way at the pay-per-view, with Lashley now with momentum in his favor with the title in his sights. It promises to be an all-out war on January 1.
What title changes or possible surprises do you think could happen at WWE Day 1? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
