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Welcome to this week's edition of RAW Preview. It was a great episode last week, including Jeff Hardy's two matches against Jaxson Ryker and Elias, Riddle's two matches against MVP and Bobby Lashley, and the overall show. It wasn't a perfect show, but it was certainly good enough to make fans want to tune into RAW again this week. Let's look at what's happening on the third RAW of 2021:
#5. What is the fall-out of Alexa Bliss' assault of Randy Orton on RAW?
The end of RAW in 2020 saw a cliffhanger moment between Randy Orton and Alexa Bliss. Last week was the same, but only with the roles reversed. While Randy Orton decided not to set Alexa Bliss on fire on RAW, the latter didn't have any hesitation in pulling the trigger.
Alexa Bliss launched a 'fireball' on Randy Orton in what was another jaw-dropping moment in the storyline. There was a lot of buzz after RAW about what may have happened, and we will find out on RAW tonight.
But there could be a surprising direction in store for Alexa Bliss. She takes on RAW Women's Champion Asuka in a non-title match. Asuka wasn't on RAW last week despite her holding two Championships.
With Royal Rumble quickly approaching, Asuka needs a RAW Women's title challenger. If Alexa Bliss defeats her, she will likely secure her spot against Asuka at the Royal Rumble.
But how does it all mix in with The Fiend and Randy Orton? Will the former return anytime soon? What happened to Randy Orton after the end of RAW? We're less than two weeks away from the 2021 Royal Rumble, and a match between The Fiend and Randy Orton is expected to take place.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. But Alexa Bliss could be the central figure on RAW this week.
#4. Is a bizarre romance on the horizon on RAW?
On RAW Legends Night, Ric Flair accidentally tripped Charlotte Flair. The next week on RAW, it seemed as though it wasn't accidental after all. He helped Lacey Evans defeat Charlotte Flair, and after that, it appeared as though a romance had begun.
It's a rather uncomfortable storyline, but we fully expect it to start taking shape this week on RAW. It may not get the best reception, but what it does achieve is getting eyes on the product.
#3. Will Keith Lee and Sheamus cross paths again?
Last week on RAW, Sheamus and Keith Lee teamed up to defeat John Morrison and The Miz. Keith Lee even broke one of the turnbuckles in the process. They would then go on to have a hard-hitting singles match, where Keith Lee overcame the four-time World Champion.
After the match, they actually embraced, seemingly teasing an alliance despite their differences. What will the status of their alliance be this week on RAW?
#2. Matt Riddle's pursuit of the US Title continues on RAW
Riddle was lucky two weeks before on RAW when the referee didn't see him submit to Bobby Lashley. He managed to overcome him and earn a title match, but the following week wasn't a good one for him.
This time, Bobby Lashley used underhanded tactics to attack Riddle before the bell rang, and the match ended. Riddle then challenged MVP to a match right after. While it seemed like he was on the verge of winning the first of his two matches on RAW, Lashley attacked him and caused a DQ.
However, it appears as though Riddle is still in the United States title picture, and it will be interesting to see how things unfold for him on this week's edition of RAW.
#1. What's Drew McIntyre's status for RAW?
After WWE officially announced it, Drew McIntyre appeared virtually on RAW to reveal that he had COVID-19. After advising people watching RAW to take the virus seriously, he later went on to accept Goldberg's challenge at the Royal Rumble.
What is Drew McIntyre's status ahead of RAW? Since he's quarantining for two weeks, he isn't expected to be on RAW this week. Instead, he will likely return next week, especially since he's asymptomatic.
