6 Surprises that can happen on RAW after Fastlane: Former Universal Champion to get suspended, Debuting superstar to get a big title push?

The RAW after a pay-per-view is always exciting to watch. While Fastlane 2021 wasn't filled with expectations, it delivered beyond that. The first three matches weren't anything of note, but after that, it was consistent and an overall great pay-per-view.

This episode of RAW will be one of three that will conclude the road to WrestleMania. Fastlane was the final pay-per-view stop, and the March 22nd episode of RAW will serve as a fallout from the event.

There's a lot to get into. While no title change happened at Fastlane, the RAW side of things saw some pivotal bouts take place that will determine the shape of WrestleMania 37.

To start things off, let's address the 'canceled' Fastlane match between Braun Strowman and Shane McMahon. What will be the fallout on RAW?

#6. Braun Strowman to face the consequences on RAW?

Braun Strowman was scheduled to face Shane McMahon at Fastlane. That match fell through after McMahon suffered an "injury" while training in the ring prior to the pay-per-view.

Shane McMahon made another RAW star compete in his place. While Elias wanted to talk to McMahon about performing at WrestleMania, he got goaded into taking The Prodigal Son's place at Fastlane.

Elias got squashed by Braun Strowman, and the aftermath of it will be The Monster Among Men actively seeking Shane McMahon to get his revenge on RAW. McMahon even wore a 'Stupid Express' shirt to ridicule Strowman.

Suppose Braun Strowman manages to get the better of Shane McMahon, it won't be consequence-free. Since he has been having a power struggle with authority figures on RAW for months now, it could lead to a short-term suspension before WrestleMania. This would add a lot more heat to Shane McMahon heading into the biggest show of the year.

#5. Rhea Ripley's RAW debut to come with a big push?

One of the biggest RAW debuts in months will see Rhea Ripley officially becoming a part of the Red brand. Many main roster fans may not be too aware of her, but they got a glimpse at WrestleMania 36 when she defended the NXT Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair in the opening match.

Ripley is a former NXT UK Women's Champion and NXT Women's Champion. Highly touted as a top prospect, she is only 24 years old. Physically imposing, Ripley will be a big name in the RAW Women's division - perhaps equivalent to Bianca Belair on SmackDown.

Ripley even had an important spot in the Royal Rumble this year. With Charlotte Flair seemingly pulled from WrestleMania 37 marketing, Ripley could be in line for a RAW Women's title shot against Asuka.

If not Charlotte Flair, then only Peyton Royce seems to fit the bill. But many would argue that she isn't ready for such a big spot yet. Fellow Australian star Rhea Ripley, despite being the newest RAW superstar, seems to hold a more impressive pedigree. Will she receive a big title push upon her debut?

#4. Sheamus enters a title picture on RAW?

Sheamus has been one of the best parts of RAW in the last few months. His feud with Drew McIntyre has seen him lose twice, but both were fantastic efforts. His latest run on RAW also proved that the best isn't necessarily behind him.

Despite his run of form, Sheamus has found himself on the losing end on RAW quite a few times. Last week on RAW, he lost to WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. Losing to two of the last three WWE Champions isn't bad at all.

At Fastlane, Sheamus put on yet another classic with his long-time friend but fell short. He has a lot to prove this WrestleMania season, so he could still enter a title picture.

With Keith Lee still absent, the spot for a United States Championship challenger at WrestleMania seems vacant. Sheamus would be the perfect opponent for Riddle. Whether it's to eventually put him over or win the United States title again, everything Sheamus has touched has turned to gold recently.

#3. Bobby Lashley to end a big association on RAW?

Bobby Lashley's focus on RAW will be solely on Drew McIntyre. Their match is expected to headline one of the two nights at WrestleMania, and this will be the biggest match of Lashley's career.

Although it would be a bit unlikely, Bobby Lashley may end his association with two of The Hurt Business' key members - Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander. MVP would be crucial to his run, and though we hope this doesn't happen, it could.

#2. AJ Styles and Omos to quietly turn face?

It's a big match waiting at WrestleMania

After The New Day dethroned Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin to win the RAW tag team titles, AJ Styles confronted them for a match at WrestleMania. He will team up with his bodyguard Omos - who will be making his in-ring debut tst The Show of Shows.

It will be fun to watch, but we expect Alexander and Benjamin to show up and continue to pursue the RAW tag team titles. If that is the case, a surprise would be AJ Styles and Omos quietly turning face. Styles could add the goofy heel-ish elements to his babyface character as well.

#1. The shocking aftermath of the Fiend's return on RAW

Randy Orton and The Fiend with Alexa Bliss behind

Alexa Bliss has been one of the most important stars on RAW since December 2020. After Bray Wyatt was burned at TLC, Alexa Bliss has been carrying the rivalry with Randy Orton for three months now.

It culminated at Fastlane when The Fiend finally returned in the Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton match. With an entirely new look and mask, The Fiend has gotten creepier than ever.

The aftermath on RAW will be interesting to watch. While we wouldn't like the idea, it's possible that The Fiend becomes an even bigger heel and completely abandons Bliss. She has been his weapon of destruction against Orton these past few months, but what happens when her purpose is served?

We like this newer version of Alexa Bliss that has a developed character. But it's possible that The Fiend simply turns on her and she is done associating with him on RAW. All it takes is for her to snap back into 'reality'. It would add a new layer to the storyline on RAW.

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Edited by Kaushik Das