Monday Night Raw Predictions – January 1, 2018

Nothing is better for the professional wrestling fans worldwide other than starting their new year with an episode of Monday Night Raw. WWE has promised us with various matches and promos for the show.

Here are the predictions for the show:

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#1 The Beast returns

The "Beast Incarnate" punished the "Big Red Monster".

WWE will feature their biggest star on the roster for the maiden show for. Brock Lesnar will return and continue to confront his Royal Rumble opponents

Notably, Kane and Braun Strowman were booked against Heath Slater and Miztourage respectively on the last week’s show, who were relatively weaker opponents.

Interestingly, Lesnar delivered an F-5 to Kane a couple of weeks ago. However, he has never faced the “Big Red Monster” in a match before. Adding Strowman to the equation has only added brutality to it.

With The Beast back in town, physicality is guaranteed.

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#2 Hardy Boy, it’s time for action!

Let the sound be of your punches this time!

Continuing on the note of physicality, the “Woken” Matt Hardy is the next person in line. He had cut decent promos in the last couple of weeks and snuck with a surprise attack on Bray Wyatt last week.

The “Eater of Worlds” is bound to retaliate on his part and attack the “Woken” one on the first day of the New Year.

We would love to see these two throwing punches on each other on the upcoming episode of Raw.

#3 Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe - No Disqualification match?

A brutal match is promised.

Roman Reigns has been on a tremendous run since he won the Intercontinental Championship. He has successfully defended it against the likes of Sheamus and Cesaro.

Our money is on Reigns to come out on top in this match. However, chances are that it will be a “No disqualification” match this time. Notably, Roman Reigns was disqualified last week. A great deal of physicality is guaranteed in this match.

It will be interesting to see how the “Big Dog” copes up with the Coquina Clutch.

#4 Tag Team Championships

The rematch clause could be invoked

The Bar lost their titles to Seth Rollins and Jason Jordon on the last episode of Raw. The Bar would be looking to invoke their rematch clause and start the New Year with the gold wrapped around their waists.

However, it is less probable that Seth Rollins and Jason Jordon would drop the ball so early. Hence, the newly crowned champions are expected to retain their titles.

On a personal level, I would like to see Seth Rollins compete in a singles match rather than teaming up with Jason Jordon.

#5 New stars for the Royal Rumble match

The road to WrestleMania begins in less than 30 days

The Royal Rumble match is less than thirty days away, and we are not anywhere near the thirty participants list who will compete in the match.

The biggest announcement so far has been the participation of Randy Orton (from the Blue brand), who also happens to be the winner of the last year’s match.

Speaking of the Red brand, we expect the Bar, Seth Rollins, and Jason Jordon to announce their participation in this mega event, and to continue their rivalry in the most vied match of the year.

Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe are among the other big names that should highlight the Royal Rumble match.

#6 Cedric Alexander vs. Enzo Amore - Cruiserweight title

A lot of variables are present in the Cruiser-weight equation.

Cedric Alexander is the winner of the competition to determine the number one contender for the Cruiserweight title. Enzo is rather seen distracted by Nia Jax, and not to mention Drew Gulak, who is seen goofing around lately.

Given the dynamics around this division, it would be a good turn of events to crown a new Cruiser-weight champion.

As far as Nia Jax and Drew Gulak are concerned, we expect them to be visible at the backstage and at the ring-side.

#7 The future of Finn Balor?

The "Denom" has to be unleashed.

Finn Balor has been on a nightmare run for the last couple of weeks. He has won all his matches, but not against the opponents he himself would like him to compete.

Balor will certainly hope for a better turn of events in the coming year, and it would be great for him to announce his participation in the Royal Rumble match.

I do predict him to be the “Dark Horse” for the Royal Rumble match, and his career will grow by leaps and bounds if he is able to come out victorious in this year’s Rumble match.