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It's the go-home show of WWE RAW before the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Even though WWE RAW hasn't really been the benchmark for quality television over the past few weeks, there are several good reasons for us to be hyped for this week's episode.
Only four matches (five if you count the fact that Roman Reigns will challenge the winner of the Elimination Chamber match) have been announced for the upcoming pay-per-view, meaning that all the pieces will come together on WWE RAW.
And there could certainly be more than one surprise, to get the audience hyped for a pay-per-view, that, to be honest, does not have a lot of hype around it.
If you can envision and envisage more WWE RAW surprises, be sure to sound off in the comments.
#5 Jeff Hardy is eliminated from the Elimination Chamber match, and a major star returns to WWE RAW
Not many people online seemed happy with the inclusion of Jeff Hardy in the Elimination Chamber 2021 match, despite his accolades. However, Hardy may only be in the match to make way for another former world Champion, who may show up on WWE RAW this week. This man is none other than the Modern Day Maharaja, Jinder Mahal.
We saw AJ Styles work on Jeff Hardy's leg last week on WWE RAW, and Hardy sold it like the pro he is. Could Adam Pearce declare, once and for all, that Jeff Hardy is unfit to compete in the Elimination Chamber? He then invites Jinder Mahal into the mix.
Both Mahal and McIntyre have a story to tell since they left the company and returned to become WWE Champions. They did clash at WWE Superstar Spectacle, but let's face it...they need a much bigger platform (like the 2021 Elimination Chamber) for the feud to play out.
#4 Well, let's just say that Jinder Mahal may not be the only star who returns to WWE RAW this week
Last week on WWE RAW, Charlotte Flair snapped because of her father's mind games. In the chaos that would ensue as a result, Lacey Evans bagged herself a spot at the WWE RAW Women's Championship at WWE Elimination Chamber 2021.
Could this be the incentive that Andrade needs to return to WWE RAW, at his lady love's side, to counter the threat of Ric Flair?
Andrade and Ric Flair are obviously close, and the legend is certain to do his part to put this young man on the map if the opportunity arises. Anyone who knows Ric Flair probably knows that he's not averse to taking a bump, even at his age, and he may do so for his future son-in-law.
No, it's not going to lead to a future mixed tag team match on WWE RAW, but it is definitely a great way to reintroduce a top-tier talent into the roster once again.
#3 Sheamus and WWE RAW star Randy Orton may decide that they need to work together
It does seem like Alexa Bliss will be off WWE RAW to deal with a personal situation (we do hope that the same improves very soon indeed). Similarly, Bray Wyatt is deliberately being kept off WWE RAW for the time being; meaning that Randy Orton has no real opponents in his crosshairs, this week at least.
As awesome as Sheamus is, we have to acknowledge the obvious. The way he has been presented thus far just seems to indicate that he is nowhere in the same league as the WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre.
So a marriage of convenience could happen on WWE RAW this week, where Sheamus offers to align with Randy Orton. Of course, the Apex Predator hunts alone, but he is likely to see the merit of an alliance within the Elimination Chamber. This can further lead to a bit of drama between both men, as the heels implode as a unit, realizing each man's out to serve his own interests, this Sunday.
#2 Rhea Ripley goes after WWE RAW Women's Champion, Asuka
The WWE RAW women's division has not been the same since the departure of Becky Lynch. Asuka has had good matches, she has had solid programs, but she's lacked the star power that 'The Man' brought to the table. In a nutshell, the SmackDown women's division has seemed miles ahead of its red counterpart, with prominent performers such as Sasha Banks and Bayley.
Meanwhile, WWE has been teasing that NXT Superstar Rhea Ripley (let's face it, she's been ready for some time now) is ready to move to either WWE RAW or SmackDown.
Could we see Rhea Ripley show up on WWE RAW this week and go straight for Asuka and the title she holds, for a future opportunity? She may show up to team up with Bianca Belair, who is clearly one of her best friends (see the Tweet above as proof), to take down Asuka and Charlotte Flair. So many possibilities exist with Ripley (believe it or not, pardon the pun), and the future of the WWE RAW Women's Championship.
#1 MVP invites WWE RAW star Keith Lee to join The Hurt Business
Let's face it. WWE RAW Superstar Keith Lee is pretty much everything someone like MVP would want in a prospective member of The Hurt Business.
Just to add a little bit of drama ahead of the Bobby Lashley, Keith Lee, and Riddle match at Elimination Chamber, we could potentially see MVP extend the olive branch to Keith Lee. Of course, Keith Lee doesn't take too kindly to the offer and lays the leader of The Hurt Business out on WWE RAW.
Maybe this fires up Bobby Lashley. Hence, the United States Champion carries the anger and resentment he feels on WWE RAW into WWE Elimination Chamber 2021.
In case you missed it, do check out this SK Wrestling exclusive with WWE RAW Superstar Bobby Lashley by clicking on the link above. Do you think he will walk out of Elimination Chamber as the United States Champion, or is it finally Keith Lee's time to shine bright? Let us know in the comments.
