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Next week's episode of RAW will be quite a critical one. It's the midway point between the Superstar Shake-Up and Money in the Bank, which means that the elements of the former will influence the latter.
What are some of the tricks that Creative has planned for the WWE roster and the WWE Universe? Let's discuss a few potential surprises that could happen in this article. Be sure to share your thoughts, views, and opinions in the comments section down below.
The viewership tends to decline through the summer months and therefore, I think that WWE needs to pull a few surprises off, to keep its audience invested. If not, there's nothing stopping them from switching the channel.
Here's what I think could potentially happen during the course of the show...
#5 Dream feud for the US Championship
We only saw a glimpse of this feud during the Superstar Shake-Up but from what I could see, the WWE Universe was really excited about it when it teased. Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman are much bigger than your average human being and a feud between the two is like Godzilla vs. King Kong come to life. When an entire movie can be made upon this premise, it follows that a wrestling feud surely can!
Also, these two men could elevate the title to the next level. It allows for Samoa Joe to also turn babyface during the course of the feud, considering the fact that he will be the smaller guy in the feud for a change. It also allows for Braun Strowman to, after months, have a really compelling program.
I am totally game for such a power packed match. Let's hope it happens on this week's episode of RAW.
#4 The Firefly Fun House debuts
Everyone is talking about Bray Wyatt and his new band of merry men titled the Firefly Fun House. One wonders who his 'friends' - Mercy The Buzzard and Abby The Witch are, and although I don't know either, I can make a few guesses. Join me and let's look at who these characters can potentially be.
I think that Abby The Witch is certainly Nikki Cross. There's almost nobody else in the roster who's better suited for the role, although there are quite a few contenders. But the part of Mercy The Buzzard could be taken up by more than one individual.
Because we now know that Luke Harper is still very much a part of WWE, I believe that he could be cast in this role with Wyatt. Another viable contender is a certain gentleman who goes by the name of Eric Young, formerly of SAnitY.
#3 AJ Styles turns heel
On the previous episode of RAW (read results here), we finally met the man who will be Seth Rollins' first challenger for the Universal Championship belt. And he is none other than the very heart and soul (and architect) of SmackDown Live, AJ Styles himself.
Now WWE is never a fan of contests between two babyfaces, or rather, hasn't been so in the past. If anything, the company always turns one of the two men heel, however beloved he may be to the WWE Universe.
And let's be honest, AJ Styles does need a change in character, all said and done. We all saw how much Daniel Bryan has benefited from going heel, and AJ Styles could certainly use a heel turn to maybe even form a faction in the current RAW roster.
Styles vs. Rollins could potentially even turn into the match of the year soon!
#2 New Tag Team Champions crowned
It is strange indeed that Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder have been given a reign this long, especially if you consider that their storyline has potentially reached its finish line. Sure, both men are exceptionally gifted individuals, but let's be honest for a minute here, we know that they're only makeshift Tag Champs. They're only holding the titles for someone else to get them off the Champs.
Enter The Viking Raiders. I think Ivar and Erik are being given a tremendous push on WWE RAW because of their massive size and their impressive chemistry. I can see Hawkins and Ryder losing their titles as early as this week.
We always knew that they would be temporary champions only. But with the Viking Raiders in charge of RAW, the tag team division can be rebuilt again, with The Usos and other acts, like the following one...
#1 Authors of Pain return
The Authors of Pain have been on the shelf for some time now but could be ready to make their return on the following episode of RAW. And the red brand would be ideal for them because that's where the bigger men do thrive and excel.
There is always the chance that The Authors of Pain could come back and potentially become Baron Corbin's backup as he causes chaos and dismay across the red brand every week. They could also plow through the division and terrorize a babyface unit like Hawkins and Ryder over the following weeks.
Whatever the case may be, I think the two of them have a lot of potential. Their initial run was cut short and it could now be time for them to prove that they can be a powerful force.
Feel free to suggest more surprises in the comments section.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
