RAW before Extreme Rules Preview: Top star to get pinned after 643 days, WWE Legend to get last title opportunity?

It's the go-home episode of RAW before Extreme Rules and it will be a huge one. WWE has already announced a few big matches and segments with direct implications for Extreme Rules and possibly even Survivor Series.

RAW was certainly better than SmackDown last week, which is not something we can say that often. But here's what you need to look forward to on a stacked go-home episode of RAW.

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#5. A New Day Celebration on RAW to be topped off with the ultimate return

This episode of RAW is going to be a huge one for one reason alone -- The New Day vs The Bloodline. It was a match that many had anticipated for Survivor Series 2021, but we're getting it on free television.

At first, there will be a New Day celebration with the iconic trio having a party for the new WWE Champion, Big E.

Roman Reigns has been a busy man on SmackDown and hasn't taken the rare open brand invitation. The Universal Champion is returning to RAW after over a year away.

This past week on SmackDown, Big E made his triumphant return as the WWE Champion, confronting Universal titleholder Roman Reigns. While teasing a dream clash at Survivor Series, the night didn't end well for Big E.

The Bloodline ultimately got the better of him and he was surrounded and ambushed by The Usos.

Soon after that, it was revealed that Reigns would return to RAW along with The Usos to take on The New Day. It's a dream match, especially considering the epic New Day vs Usos feud in 2017.

However, neither Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, or The Usos will be in the spotlight. It's the new WWE Champion Big E and Roman Reigns who will have the limelight on them.

WWE needs big things to happen, and one thing that hasn't happened in 643 days is Roman Reigns getting pinned. Funnily enough, Baron Corbin was the last man to pin The Tribal Chief while he was The King.

Their careers have taken two completely different directions since then. As there needs to be something big that happens, Big E pinning Reigns might just be it. By being the first one to do so in 643 days, he will make a statement as the WWE Champion.

It also instantly sets up a Survivor Series RAW vs SmackDown clash. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but the above-mentioned finish is a lot more interesting than The Usos or Kingston and Woods getting pinned.

#4. Jeff Hardy faces Sheamus on RAW with Extreme Rules implications

Jeff Hardy hasn't been doing very well on RAW. We've seen him lose to Karrion Kross, randomly enter the 24/7 title picture, and lose to Damian Priest as well. While losing to Priest and Kross isn't bad given both stars' momentum on RAW, it has been a bit of a slip for the WWE legend lately.

Despite his recent miscues, Hardy could have his last chance at singles championship gold. On the last RAW before Extreme Rules, the former WWE Champion will renew his rivalry with Sheamus to earn a US title shot.

We're not sure what Hardy did to warrant this match, but if he beats Sheamus on RAW, the United States title match at Extreme Rules will be a Triple Threat. Damian Priest is already scheduled for a rematch against Sheamus at Extreme Rules after winning the title from him at SummerSlam 2021.

Sheamus had to earn his shot at the US title, but Jeff Hardy could have his last opportunity at singles gold even though he arguably doesn't deserve to be in the title picture.

#3. Charlotte Flair steps into Alexa Bliss' playground on RAW

Charlotte Flair is set to defend her RAW Women's Championship against Alexa Bliss at Extreme Rules. For the latter, it feels like a re-entry into the RAW Women's title picture after three years.

Bliss had one of the most dominant runs in the history of the WWE Women's division between late 2016 and the summer of 2018 -- where she captured two SmcakDown Women's titles and three RAW Women's titles.

She will be looking for her first singles title in over three years, but before that, there will be more mind games. Champion Charlotte Flair enters Alexa Bliss' playground.

Last week, following her victory over Shayna Baszler, Bliss came out to give Flair a gift. It was a look-alike doll named "Charly". Although Flair suspected a potential explosive at first, she quickly realized that it wasn't the case.

However, she wasn't impressed with Charly either. Later, the Women's Champion trashed the doll, which might just play into this week's segment on Bliss' playground.

#2. The Women's Tag Team titles are on the line on RAW

Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley have been on a roll on RAW since SummerSlam. They have tasted consistent success week after week, and it has quickly culminated with a WWE Women's title shot on the RAW before Extreme Rules.

We're still not sure why this match wasn't on pay-per-view, but perhaps a big title change could be awaiting. Last week, Nikki A.S.H. defeated Tamina (with a botchy finish), while Rhea Ripley took out veteran Natalya.

So far, Super Brutality has had the wood on the Women's Tag Team Champions. Natalya and Tamina haven't looked like strong champions in a while, which means that their reign could be in jeopardy.

If Nikki A.S.H. and Ripley can continue doing what they've done since SummerSlam, a title change is virtually guaranteed. With that said, it wouldn't be surprising to see a dusty finish that leads to an immediate rematch, potentially at Extreme Rules 2021.

Will the unlikely Super Brutality duo add to their Championship success in 2021?

#1. What's next for Bobby Lashley on RAW?

Bobby Lashley's WWE title run officially ended last week on Raw. Big E got a lot of love and appreciation for his win, and deservedly so. But full credit must be given to Lashley, whose legitimacy as WWE Champion has not been questioned in the past 6 months.

The former Bellator star's dominance on RAW felt long overdue. Although that may have been the peak of his WWE run, it will be looked back on with great fondness. Lashley was informed well beforehand that Big E would be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase.

Lashley faced Randy Orton, who seemingly admitted to politicking his way to get a WWE title shot on RAW. It ultimately backfired for The Viper who couldn't come away with the gold.

However, Big E came out and cashed in his briefcase, ending The Almighty WWE Champion's title reign. What's next for Bobby Lashley? Rumors suggest that The Hurt Business will reunite soon, and that might just be the best direction for all four men.

It's clear that Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin played a big role in Bobby Lashley's 2020-2021 ascent. Given how they've done nothing since, the popular faction might just reunite on RAW.