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Welcome to the second edition of RAW Preview in 2021. It was RAW Legends Night last week, and it ended in the biggest way possible. Here is how RAW is expected to play out this week:
#5. Drew McIntyre faces Randy Orton in a non-title match on RAW
One week after a confrontation with Goldberg on RAW Legends Night, Drew McIntyre has another big task on his hands. The WWE Champion faces Randy Orton in a SummerSlam and Hell in a Cell (and RAW) rematch.
However, this time, it isn't for the WWE Title - it's a non-title match on RAW. Both men have had their own share of things to deal with on RAW. On one hand, Randy Orton has had to face Alexa Bliss and her constant threats of The Fiend's return.
On the other hand, Drew McIntyre successfully defended the WWE Championship against Keith Lee in the main event of RAW last week. However, he was confronted by Goldberg and told the WWE Hall of Famer that it would be like facing his father.
Goldberg ended RAW with a shove to the WWE Champion and a Royal Rumble challenge, which we imagine Drew McIntyre will accept. While we don't expect Goldberg to appear on RAW this week, the WWE Champion will have a response.
The match against Randy Orton on RAW seemed to be out-of-nowhere, but there could be a reason behind it. Drew McIntyre has to look at his best ahead of a potential Goldberg match at the Royal Rumble, so a win over a legend like Randy Orton on RAW would certainly help him.
However, it's hard to say whether the match on RAW will even have a conclusive finish. Whether it's interference from Alexa Bliss, Bray Wyatt, or somebody else, both men have a lot left to do before the Royal Rumble.
#4. Did The Lucha House Party emerge as number one contenders on RAW last week?
On the RAW men's Tag Team division front, The Lucha House Party defeated The Hurt Business' Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander in a non-title match. They pinned the RAW Tag Team Champions, which usually means they would be next in line for a title shot.
Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik emerged as unexpected title contenders, and it will be interesting to see if they can repeat their feat on RAW.
#3. The Women's Tag Team title picture gets complicated
The Women's Tag Team title picture on RAW keeps getting more complicated. After a mishap from Ric Flair, Lacey Evans and Peyton Royce were able to pick up the victory over Charlotte Flair and Asuka.
In doing so, they could be in line for a Tag Team title shot. Even Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler seem positioned for a Tag Team title shot, but the latter lost to Dana Brooke last week.
Will we get a clearer picture on RAW this week?
#2. Is Matt Riddle on course for a United States title shot after a lucky win on RAW?
While Matt Riddle was technically defeated by United States Champion Bobby Lashley on RAW last week, the referee's lack of attention allowed him to get away before pulling off a surprise victory himself.
Riddle has the win on paper, and despite the controversy, we fully expect him to become the new number one contender for the United States title on RAW. Whether his win will translate into a title match or not, we can't be sure.
#1. What is the aftermath of Goldberg's RAW appearance?
While it wasn't met with the best reception, Goldberg's surprise appearance to end RAW Legends Night generated a lot of buzz. He seems to be set to challenge for a World Championship yet again.
As mentioned before, we would be a bit surprised to see him appear on RAW this week, but he could still come out when Drew McIntyre presumably accepts his challenge on RAW. But WWE may want to save his appearances in the build to the Royal Rumble.
