RAW Thoughts: John Cena enters Rumble; Roman Reigns retains; Asuka defeats Alexa Bliss - January 1, 2018

WWE RAW General Manager Kurt Angle opened the show with a huge announcement explaining that John Cena will be one of the entries in the upcoming Royal Rumble. We learned later in the show that the Demon King, Finn Balor, will also be entering the Rumble this year.

Cesaro and Sheamus also came out to interrupt Kurt Angle to demand a rematch for the RAW Tag Team Titles that Rollins and Jordan captured just a week ago from them.

This ended up turning into a singles match between Jason Jordan and Cesaro. Rollins was ringside but things seemed a little rocky between the newly crowned Tag Team champs.

But Jordan did not disappoint Rollins and ended up getting the surprise win over the rough and tough Cesaro. I see a RAW Tag Team title match brewing for this coming Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View.

The Empress's Night

Asuka, probably the most intriguing new-comer on RAW, went up against the RAW Women's Champion, Alexa Bliss. Nia Jax was not able to be at ringside for Alexa and it ended up hurting the Goddess in the long run. This match seemed to be a possible preview match for Wrestlemania 34, which would be a dream match for this new year.

Asuka is the fan favorite to win the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match.

It was pretty much an even contest and consisted of back and forth action as Bliss looked to knock off Asuka's undefeated strike and give the "Empress of Tomorrow" her first loss on RAW. But Asuka's armbar was a bit too much for Alexa to handle.

This arguably could have been the "match of the night". Asuka was the victor and hopefully, we see a Women's title match between the two ladies real soon. Too bad this was not a title match or we would be looking at a brand new RAW Women's Champion!

Roman retains IC Title

The Samoan Submission Machine was hype and ready for war to take on Roman Reigns in his opportunity to become Intercontinental Champion! This could have easily been a high profile Pay-Per-View match at this year's Rumble.

I was very excited for the match all week and it definitely did not disappoint. Joe was on top of his game and Reigns was well prepared as always. Both Superstars delivered one hell of a performance and it was very exciting to watch. This was the best Intercontinental Title match in a long time on RAW.

Reigns was victorious! But Joe put up a great fight and hopefully there is a rematch in the near future!

Honestly, this could have been a better first RAW of the year, 2018!

There was no Cena at the show, even though he was announced as an entry in the Rumble.

But the Royal Rumble is sure adding up to be a very impressive event and I'm anxious to see who wins the 1st ever Women's Rumble match!

Brock Lesnar, however, did make an appearance and had a scuffle with Kane at the end of the show!