'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
WWE RAW this week has to live up to the highest of expectations, especially if you consider that SmackDown was an absolutely fantastic show. Luckily the card is loaded, and a LOT could happen during the broadcast.
The objective of this preview is to get you hyped up for RAW and also prepare you for the twists and turns that may come your way. It's crazy that five matches have already been announced for the show, and each of them feels important.
Feel free to weigh in and share your thoughts on the matches that have been advertised for RAW this week!
#5 Damian Priest to face a mystery opponent from the current RAW roster
Listen, ever since it was announced that Damian Priest would face a mystery opponent in a US title open challenge match, the internet has been abuzz with speculation.
Some believe that Jinder Mahal will step up to the plate and mix it up with the United States Champion. Others believe that this is the perfect spot to reintroduce someone like Elias.
For context, there have been several vignettes playing that have shown that Elias, the minstrel of the WWE RAW brand, will be repackaged and reintroduced in a brand new avatar.
Considering how exciting SmackDown was, it would make sense for Elias to return just to shake things up on RAW. Or maybe someone like Jeff Hardy, whose booking has been criticized lately, could come back and remind the world how good he is.
The company clearly has a lot of stock invested in RAW Superstar Damian Priest, as can be evidenced by the fact that they've conferred the United States Championship to him. Whoever shows up, do not expect Priest to lose the title anytime soon for now!
#4 The women get an opportunity on RAW that they didn't get on SmackDown!
RAW Superstar Rhea Ripley, who seems to have formed an alliance with Nikki Cross in recent times, will square off with Natalya this week. Yes, it is definitely surprising that this team is getting a shot ahead of Shotzi and Nox, but then again, when has consistency mattered in sports entertainment?
As universally praised as SmackDown was, there was a lot of criticism about the fact that there were no women's matches throughout the entire show. RAW has the opportunity to remedy this problem with not one but two matches!
#3 Could Big E cash in during the upcoming Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton match?
Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley on RAW could be the perfect spot for Big E to insert himself into the mix and win big.
Let's be honest, the WWE Championship picture on RAW needs fresh blood. Who better than Big E to fill that role? At least if this unexpected title change happens on RAW, things will shake up!
#2 The RAW Women's Champion vs. The Queen of Spades
WWE RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair will square off against Shayna Baszler in singles action this week. This heel vs. heel match is likely to just be a device for Alexa Bliss to crash the party to promote her upcoming championship clash against The Queen.
Nia Jax, who is also at odds with Charlotte Flair, is likely to be at ringside. Could we also see the implosion of the Jax-Baszler alliance during the match based on their recent turbulent history?
#1 Eight-man tag team action with four fantastic tag teams!
The New Day, Mansoor, and Ali will team up on RAW to take on four intimidating opponents. AJ Styles and Omos are set to team up with T-Bar and Mace as the opposing side for this ultimate clash.
One has to assume that the heels will emerge victoriously here to advance up the ladder and challenge RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro. Also, Omos vs. Lashley looks like the direction we'll be headed in soon enough.
