The 5 MVPs of this week's RAW (October 22nd 2018) 

Former Universal Champion Roman Reigns is consoled by Shawn Michaels.
Former Universal Champion Roman Reigns is consoled by Shawn Michaels.

This week's edition of Monday Night RAW proved to be one of the most shocking in the company's history.

Not only was a title vacated under the most awful of circumstances, we saw new RAW Tag Team Champions emerge, as well as the complete destruction of one of the company's most beloved groups.

With Evolution around the corner, the women of the red brand showcased themselves spectacularly, with each one hoping to build momentum towards the historic all-female pay per view this Sunday.

A shocking change was made to a World title match at Crown Jewel, and with Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar now closer to the Universal Title than ever, it will be genuinely interesting to see how both men fare in the build to the second Saudi Arabia show of the year.

Here are the five MVPs of this week's episode of Monday Night RAW, and what they did to earn the honor.


5. Elias

Elias took out 'Constable' Corbin
Elias took out 'Constable' Corbin

For months, the dulcet tones of Elias have entertained the WWE Universe, despite the singer-songwriter's less than pleasant remarks about the cities he has performed in.

This week was no different, as Elias prepared for another concert, just moments after defeating Apollo Crews in one on one action.

The self-proclaimed 'Living Truth' was completely ready to perform when he was interrupted by Acting RAW General Manager, 'The Constable' Baron Corbin, who pulled the plug on the whole thing.

Egged on by the WWE Universe, Elias would show that his music cannot be contained, attacking the Constable, after Corbin said that this three-hour show did not have time for the music sensation.

Embraced by the WWE Universe, it will be interesting to see what repercussions Elias will face, after attacking the handpicked represent for Monday Night RAW Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon.

Artists right? No respect at all for 'The Man'.

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4. Trish Stratus and Lita

Trish Stratus and Lita are ready for Evolution
Trish Stratus and Lita are ready for Evolution

With WWE Evolution just around the corner, the show promises to be a celebration of all facets of women's wrestling, including the future, the present, and the past.

The past being represented by stars such as Trish Stratus and Lita, who will be facing Alexa Bliss and Mickie James at the company's first ever pay per view, solely featuring women's wrestling.

This week, James, alongside friend Alicia Fox tried to get in the head of the Hall of Famers, attacking the pair during an interview backstage.

Despite an early advantage, Stratus and Lita quickly took control, defeating the pair, laying them out backstage.

This must've gotten into the head of Alexa Bliss, with the Petite Powerhouse noticeably absent from the fray.

Expect an all-out war at Evolution, with Bliss and James hoping to cement their legacies as some of the all-time greats, at the expense of Stratus and Lita.

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3. Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman is coming for the Universal title
Braun Strowman is coming for the Universal title

With the path to the WWE Universal Championship now clearer than before, Braun Strowman certainly picked up his game en route to Crown Jewel.

When the advocate for the Beast, Paul Heyman vowed that Lesnar would regain the red strap in Saudi Arabia, the Monster Among Men knew he had to step in.

Promising to defeat Lesnar at Crown Jewel, Strowman has certainly given himself a tall order. After all, the Greatest Royal Rumble winner has never been able to defeat the Beast Incarnate in a match.

With the pair now scheduled to face in a singles match at Crown Jewel, it'll be a wonder if the King Saud University Stadium will be able to contain both men.

What we do know is that when the dust has settled in Riyadh, one of these two men will emerge as the new Universal Champion, though it won't be easy.

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2. Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose finally snapped on this week's Raw
Dean Ambrose finally snapped on this week's Raw

Since reuniting on the RAW after Summerslam 2018, the Shield have been a dominant force over Monday nights.

With Reigns as Universal Champion (though we'll get to that in a moment) and Seth as Intercontinental Champion, third man Dean Ambrose has been under constant scrutiny, the only man without gold.

This was only made worse when his Shield brothers questioned the Lunatic Fringe's loyalty, with Ambrose even being propositioned by The Dogs of War.

Seemingly silencing the naysayers, Ambrose and Rollins were able to capture the RAW Tag Team Championships this week, defeating Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler.

Post-match, everything seemed fine between the two, until Ambrose attacked his friend, laying the Kingslayer out with Dirty Deeds.

With these two as RAW Tag Team Champions, and seemingly at each other's throats, it will be interesting to see how the pair can co-exist, and just how long they will be champions.

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1.Roman Reigns

Get well soon, Big Dog
Get well soon, Big Dog

Since being launched into the main event scene in 2014, Roman Reigns has been one of the most divisive Superstars in the company.

On the one hand, the Samoan has a legion of fans, loyal to the Roman Empire, whilst there are just as many who would rather see anyone but the Big Dog be the top dog.

But this week, Reigns came out and shocked the WWE Universe with his frank and concise discussion.

Revealing his battle with leukaemia, Reigns vacated the Universal Championship, promising to fight the disease for his family, for his fellow Superstars, and for the fans.

It was one of the most genuinely painful moments in the show's history and beckons back to the retirements of Paige earlier this year, Daniel Bryan two years ago, and Edge in 2011.

Hopefully, Reigns will be able to return to the ring and show the WWE Universe why he is the Big Dog.

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Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.

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