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SmackDown this week was a very explosive episode featuring the returns of Elias, Alexa Bliss and of course, The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus. The way that things lined up last week, RAW could be just as loaded as SmackDown was.
Brand warfare is now a subject of the past and as things stand, the events within WWE RAW could be even more interesting than the whole Survivor Series angle was. In line with this thought, let me bring you 5 surprises that could potentially take place on this week's episode of RAW.
As always, I invite you to leave a comment in the section below, dear reader. Rest assured that we read all your comments and value your feedback.
So let me jump straight into the article and list some surprises!
#5 Ruby Riott returns to confront Becky Lynch for the Championship
Becky Lynch and Asuka could always lock horns and it certainly did seem like that would be the route that WWE would go down, but it just doesn't make sense to me, to any degree. Asuka and Kairi Sane should be defending the Women's Tag Team Championships against Charlotte Flair and another partner, instead of vying for Becky's title.
Ruby Riott, on the other hand, could be a very worthy challenger for Becky Lynch, if you consider how good she is. She is exceptional in the ring, she can cut a promo, and she has missed a lot of time in the ring because she was injured. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Becky Lynch needs a challenger like Ruby Riott.
Early 2020 was supposed to be the time for Ruby Riott's return to action. She could always have recovered earlier and based on how the pieces seem at the moment, she would probably be slotted at the top of the mountain once she returns!
#4 Seth Rollins finally turns heel, teams up with The AoP
I don't think it would be too much of a stretch to say that the current Seth Rollins is the former Roman Reigns. I mean he's doing everything by the book, playing a complete babyface and yet, the audience refuses to accept him as a good day to any degree. Many experts have said that the best thing to do at this point would be to turn him heel. So, let's begin where we left off last week, with perhaps the best cliffhanger WWE has done in quite some time.
The AoP invaded the main event of RAW and while they destroyed Kevin Owens, they did not lay a hand on Seth Rollins. Maybe the plan is for Seth Rollins to turn heel and become the leader of a faction with The AoP, almost like how Baron Corbin is the leader of the alliance with Ziggler and Roode. In Rollins' case, he needs it a lot more because all said and done, if he turns heel without The AoP to bring him heat, people would actually cheer for him.
Seth Rollins puts on great matches and a heel version of The Architect would actually be cool.
#3 Matt Hardy becomes 'woken' again
Matt Hardy's role in the company at this point in time may just be to elevate young and upcoming talent like Buddy Murphy. The roar of approval last week when Matt Hardy's music hit probably reminded the WWE Creative team that this man still has a lot of value right now.
This is why I wouldn't be surprised if WWE chooses to have him go to the well again (or rather the Lake of Reincarnation) and return as 'Woken' Matt Hardy. This would make a lot of sense from a merchandise perspective as 'Woken' t-shirts were really popular the last time around.
I mean this is the storyline that made TNA relevant again when there was a doubt about the future of the company and also questions about just how long it would last. If they have to revert to the Hardy Boyz when Jeff Hardy returns, that can also potentially happen.
Merely using Mr. Matt Hardy as a jobber is just a waste of the incredible value the man can bring with every appearance. It would also be criminal to bring a man as creative as Hardy to WWE and not have him do anything at all.
#2 Charlotte Flair finds an ally in Liv Morgan
So I know that a lot of people were disappointed that Liv Morgan wasn't revealed as the new member of Bray Wyatt's Firefly Fun House on this week's SmackDown. A lot of people believed that she would emerge as Sister Abigail and be a welcome addition to the Firefly Fun House. And I'm guessing that after seeing all the Tweets and the posts, WWE could do something very interesting with her on RAW this week.
So, Charlotte Flair is scheduled to take on both Asuka and Kairi Sane in a handicap match, and even if Flair somehow wins the match, chances are that she will be double teamed by the heels at the end. I think if someone like Liv Morgan were to make the save, she would be elevated almost at once in everyone's eyes. Being in a team with Charlotte Flair is a big deal and it means you're in the top-tier of performers.
And this may be a much better role for Liv Morgan because she wouldn't have to play second fiddle to Bray Wyatt. Let me know if you believe this may be something you'd potentially like to see.
#1 Rey Mysterio's first challenger is revealed
Last week, there was a Fatal Fourway match to determine who would be the next man to challenge AJ Styles for the WWE United States Championship and Rey Mysterio come out on top. He would go on to defeat AJ Styles to become the WWE United States Champion.
Because Mysterio thrives when it comes to working with bigger men, I wouldn't be surprised if they throw Rowan into the mix right away. Having Rowan work with Rey Mysterio may actually be the best thing for the big man because it will bring the spotlight on him.
It is very clear that Rowan is being given a singles push at the moment and the mystery of what he's carrying to the ring every week is also a very interesting secondary storyline with the big man at this particular point. All of this could culminate in what is a very interesting feud with Rey Mysterio which eventually ends with the big man becoming the United States Champion.
It does seem clear at his point in time that AJ Styles is more focused on Randy Orton at the moment.
