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This week's editions of RAW and SmackDown were chock-full of fallout after last Saturday's WWE Royal Rumble spectacular. Not only that, the builds also began for the next Premium Live Event, Elimination Chamber in Saudi Arabia, and for WrestleMania in April.
At the Royal Rumble, we saw Brock Lesnar lose his WWE Championship to Bobby Lashley thanks to interference from Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. However, the Beast Incarnate reappeared later in the night to enter the Men's Rumble match, ultimately winning the thing and stamping his ticket to Wrestlemania.
On Monday night, Brock chose to challenge Universal Champion Roman Reigns on the Grandest Stage of Them All. As if that wasn't enough, he also managed to get himself inserted into the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match scheduled for the event on February 19.
Meanwhile, Roman Reigns' path took a bit of a turn this week on SmackDown. Paul Heyman once again pledged his allegiance to The Tribal Chief, but WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg interrupted the proceedings and challenged The Tribal Chief for a Universal Title shot at Elimination Chamber, which was confirmed later in the night.
As you can see, the main event scene is heating up with WrestleMania season now well and truly underway. As always, a number of other superstars stood out on television this week as they look to clinch their own WrestleMania spots in the coming weeks.
With that being said, let's take a look at five WWE Superstars who impressed this week on RAW and SmackDown.
#5 Riddle earns himself a WWE Championship opportunity at Elimination Chamber
Riddle was without his tag team partner Randy Orton this week on RAW. However, it didn't seem to phase him, as he secured a victory that could ultimately be a career-changer.
After an intense 50-lap scooter race in the Alpha Academy’s Academic Challenge, Riddle found himself in a Championship Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Otis. The Original Bro managed to overcome one half of the RAW Tag Team Champions to book his place in the contest.
It was an impressive showing from Riddle, who will now be able to showcase his abilities in one of the biggest matches leading into WrestleMania.
#4 Big E & Kofi Kingston put on an impressive display on SmackDown
By far the best match this week on WWE SmackDown was the contest between The New Day and Los Lotharios. It was a fast-paced, energetic match that fans couldn't look away from.
Big E has returned to SmackDown once again, and he wasted little time in reuniting with his New Day brother Kofi Kingston. King Woods is currently on the sidelines, so E and Kofi are essentially picking up the baton whilst providing another team for the blue brand roster.
Both men's performances stood out this week as they came out on top against Angel and Humberto, a reminder of just why they are one of the greatest tag teams in history.
#3 Austin Theory records the biggest victory of his young career on RAW
Austin Theory's crusade to impress WWE Chairman Vince McMahon gained some momentum this week.
In a WWE Championship Elimination Chamber qualifying match, Austin went one-on-one with former Universal Champion Kevin Owens. To the surprise of just about everyone, Austin managed to pick up a huge victory and secure his spot in Jeddah.
Austin Theory's road to WrestleMania could now be well underway. Let's see how Mr. McMahon feels about it in the coming weeks.
#2 Drew McIntyre returned to WWE SmackDown and was in fine form
Drew McIntyre was taken out backstage at WWE Day 1 by Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. At the time, the move seemed designed to write Drew out of programming as he underwent scans on his neck.
The tests revealed that McIntyre was good to go, and he eventually made his return during the Men's Royal Rumble match last month. Following this appearance, The Scottish Warrior made his return to SmackDown for the first time in 2022. He was in fine form as he entertained right off the bat.
Drew, who had his sword Angela back with him, embarrassed Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin, vowing to make their lives a misery moving forward. McIntyre is now scheduled to face Moss one-on-one at the Elimination Chamber event.
#1 Ronda Rousey puts the RAW and Smackdown women's locker rooms on notice
After The Baddest Woman on the Planet returned and won the Women's Royal Rumble last Saturday, she made her way to RAW in dominant fashion. After arriving, Ronda Rousey got into an exchange with RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch.
The Man eventually pushed the wrong buttons and was taken to the mat, with Rousey declaring that she would head to SmackDown to announce her decision on which champion she will face at WrestleMania.
On Friday night, Ronda and SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair had a heated exchange, with Ronda ultimately choosing The Queen as her Wrestlemania opponent.
But that wasn't all for Rousey, as she sent Charlotte and the rest of the women's locker room a message by locking WWE official Sonya Deville in the Armbar. She has certainly made her presence felt this week.
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
