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WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 26, 2015

1/25/2015

And we’re off. The Road to WrestleMania has begun in earnest and Roman Reigns is in the driver’s seat after outlasting 29 other Superstars to win his first Royal Rumble Match and punching his ticket to the WrestleMania main event. Joining him at The Show of Shows will be Brock Lesnar, who retained his WWE World Heavyweight Title against both John Cena and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat Match that very nearly cost The Beast the ultimate prize. With the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match set for The Grandest Stage of Them All, who else will do battle at what is sure to be a sold out Levi’s Stadium?? WWE.com has five ideas how things might play out on tonight’s Raw

1.) The Ballad of Daniel Bryan

For the second year in a row, Daniel Bryan left the Royal Rumble Match without a place in the WrestleMania main event, though he was felled this year by a far less convoluted series of events: Bray Wyatt threw him out. With The “Yes!” Man’s ‘Mania dreams dashed, how will his war with The Authority continue, and, does he have what it takes to maneuver his way back to The Show of Shows again?

2.) The Future is Soon

Seth Rollins did not make good on his audacious lead-up to the Royal Rumble and walk out of Philly with Brock Lesnar’s World Title. That being said, the so-called Future of WWE put in a performance for the ages, and may well have cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on The Anomaly had he not suffered the fateful pinfall himself. The Authority shouldn’t take Rollins’ loss to heart, though: His ability and intelligence carried him to within an inch of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and it’s safe to say he’ll get right back on his horse tonight.

3.) The Champ Is Where?

Where Rollins’ path ahead is clear, however. John Cena’s is somewhat murkier. For the first time since last June, the 15-time World Champion is not orbiting the vicinity of record-tying title No. 16. So, “What’s next for John Cena” is a somewhat more difficult question to answer than usual. He does have one unlikely antagonist on his hands after a tense encounter at Royal Rumble Fallout on WWE Network, however: Rusev. Might The Hero of the Russian Federation have further words for the Cenation leader?

4.) Simply Legendary

Last time it was Sting. But this time, a different WWE Legend returned to protect The Authority’s enemy when The Rock stormed the ring to stop a two-on-one beating of Roman Reigns moments before The Big Dog officially won the Royal Rumble Match. The Great One saved his "family" and ensured Reigns’ triumph, but it’s clear that Superstars past and present have an issue with Triple H & Stephanie’s management style. Might another Legend take a stand against the corporate power?

5.) Biggest dog in the yard

So this is it: Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are officially on a collision course for WrestleMania, and the 2014 Superstar of the Year will need all the momentum he can get if he’ll truly unseat the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World. Before Roman gets to Brock, however, there’s the lingering matter of Big Show, whose grudge with the former WWE Tag Team Champion has not quite yet abated. Can Roman get past the giant and march toward The Beast in one piece? Or will the former World Heavyweight Champion dispose of his foe before WrestleMania arrives?

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WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 19, 2015

1/18/2015

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Less than one week before the Road to WrestleMania kicks off with the Royal Rumble event, WWE’s most legendary Superstars assemble in Dallas, Texas, for “Raw Reunion,” a special night celebrating the rich history of sports-entertainment. With WWE Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels already slated to appear and new names confirmed to join them, what other surprises are in store for this momentous installment of Raw? WWE.com has some ideas.

1.) Raw Reunion

This week, a host of WWE Hall of Famers and Legends will converge on Dallas, Texas, for “Raw Reunion,” a celebration of sports-entertainment history. We’ve already learned that Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels will appear to take part in the festivities, but WWE.com can confirm that joining them will be Kevin Nash, X-Pac, Jimmy Hart, Billy Gunn and Ron Simmons. What awaits on this all-star evening?

2.) Will Brock Lesnar exact vengeance against Seth Rollins?

Some called it opportunistic, others think Seth Rollins has a death wish. Regardless, Mr. Money in the Bank made a major statement on last week’s Raw when he not only Curb Stomped John Cena during the contract signing for Royal Rumble’s Triple Threat Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but delivered the sickening move to reigning titleholder Brock Lesnar.

Thursday night on SmackDown, Rollins struck again, this time threatening Paul Heyman in Lesnar’s absence. Even though The Authority is behind him, The Architect had best be careful, as the ravenous Beast Incarnate will be looking for payback

3.) Is Dean Ambrose his own worst enemy?

Even though Dean Ambrose was standing tall at the conclusion of Thursday night’s SmackDown, The Lunatic Fringe was feeling far less celebratory last Monday night, when United States Champion Rusev battered Ambrose so badly, the referee was forced to stop the match. The unstable Superstar argued with the official over the decision, and was then blindsided by a superkick from The Hero of the Russian Federation after the bell.

Ambrose hasn’t necessarily been concerned with his wellbeing lately, and as The Lunatic Fringe seeks to gain momentum in the lead-up to the Royal Rumble Match, there’s no telling how he’ll put his body on the line this week on Raw. But will Ambrose’s devil-may-care attitude be his undoing?

4.) The "Yes!" Movement Reborn

For the first time in months, Daniel Bryan returned to action Thursday night on SmackDown, battling Kane in the night’s opening contest — a bout that was interrupted by J&J Security — and then successfully teaming up with Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns against Seth Rollins, Big Show and Kane in the night’s tag team main event. After showing no signs of ring rust following his prolonged absence from the ring, The “Yes!” Man now looks to the Royal Rumble Match and beyond, determined to headline WrestleMania for the second year in a row and compete for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Emboldened by the support of the “Yes!” Movement, Bryan seems more confident than ever. However, his dreams might very well be crushed by The Authority on SmackDown, where Bryan must battle Kane in a rematch with his Royal Rumble Match spot on the line. Will Triple H and Stephanie heap even more obstacles onto The “Yes!” Man on Raw?

5.) Will Reigns & Big Show collide before the Royal Rumble?

Roman Reigns is an odds-on favorite to win the 2015 Royal Rumble Match, but he’ll need to get through Big Show first. The giant announced his participation in the over-the-top-rope bout Thursday night on SmackDown, and there’s nothing The World’s Largest Athlete would enjoy more than tossing Reigns over the top rope himself.

After Reigns got the better of Big Show on SmackDown, the goliath is surely anxious to get his hands on the powerhouse before the Royal Rumble Match. Will we see a giant-sized collision between these rivals?

Tune in to “Raw Reunion” Monday night at 8/7 CT on USA Network, and don’t miss Raw Pre-Show at 7:30 ET, only on WWE Network.

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WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 12, 2015

1/11/2015

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We’re just two weeks away from the Royal Rumble event, and emotions are running at an all-time high in the WWE locker room. After The Authority unceremoniously fired Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan last week on Raw, the entire roster is seemingly in a constant state of unease — many fearing for their jobs. Will other Superstars, including Authority enemies Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, face severe consequences for their defiance this week? What awaits as WWE’s flagship show emanates live from New Orleans, the site of WrestleMania 30? WWE.com has some ideas.

1.) Who will be punished by The Authority?

On SmackDown, Roman Reigns was faced with a difficult decision: Either he face Seth Rollins and Big Show in a Handicap Match, or find a partner knowing that whichever willing ally he chose could face repercussions from The Authority. That ally would be revealed as Dean Ambrose, Reigns’ former Shield compatriot who helped the powerhouse defeat Mr. Money in the Bank and the giant in the evening’s main event. Indeed, The Lunatic Fringe isn’t afraid of danger — just watch one of his matches against Bray Wyatt if you need proof — but his prior precarious entanglements could very well pale in comparison to what awaits this week. Will The Authority seek vengeance against Ambrose? Also, will Reigns’ continued opposition to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon affect his momentum headed into the Royal Rumble Match?

2.) Which Superstars will join the Royal Rumble Match?

A number of Superstars have already announced their participation in the 2015 Royal Rumble Match, including Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, United States Champion Rusev, Bray Wyatt and Intercontinental Champion Bad News Barrett. Among them could very well be the winner of this year’s over-the-top-rope extravaganza, but the man who will ultimately outlast 29 other Superstars may yet be revealed.

With the opportunity to battle for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 31 at stake, the Royal Rumble Match on Jan. 25 marks the supreme opportunity for a Superstar to rise above their peers and earn a spotlight on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Who will join this anticipated bout? Perhaps more names will be announced this week.

3.) Will distractions hurt John Cena's chances to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

Not only did Seth Rollins force John Cena to bring The Authority back into power on the final Raw of 2014, but the very next week, three members of the Cenation leader’s Survivor Series team — Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan — were handed their walking papers for openly defying The Authority and helping Cena (temporarily) remove them from power. Although Cena can hardly be blamed for the cruel machinations of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, the guilt resting on the 15-time World Champion’s shoulders must be unbearable. Yet, despite what’s going through Cena’s mind these days, he must now battle both Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in two weeks at the Royal Rumble event. Will Cena’s recent frustrations be a help or a hindrance as he prepares to not only clash with The Beast Incarnate, but the calculating self-professed “future” of WWE? Moreover, will Cena face even more obstacles from The Authority this week?

4.) Is Nikki Bella title regin in jepoardy?

At Survivor Series, The Bella Twins were united once again, an alliance made all too apparent when Brie Bella planted a kiss on AJ Lee to distract the titleholder and allow Nikki to capture the Divas Championship. Since that night, Brie has helped her sinister sis cling to the butterfly-emblazoned prize, even as Natalya has remained hot on her heels.

The Bellas’ notorious two-on-one tactics were countered last Monday night, when Natalya found a new ally in Paige, the raven-haired rebel that’s got the entire WWE Universe talking after her “Total Divas” debut. The Diva of Tomorrow helped Natalya pick up a victory over Nikki Monday night, and Paige went on to best the champion the following night on WWE Main Event, exclusively on WWE Network. After facing defeat twice in one week thanks to her “Total Divas” nemeses, are Nikki Bella’s days as Divas Champion numbered?

5.) Is this the era of "Bad News?"

He’s only been back in action for two weeks, but 2015 has been remarkably kind to Bad News Barrett. Just seven days after returning from injury, Barrett — thanks in no small part to The Authority — defeated Dolph Ziggler to become Intercontinental Champion an impressive fifth time. The brawler followed up his championship victory by announcing that he will be part of the Royal Rumble Match on Jan. 25, a bout that could catapult Barrett to the main event of this year’s WrestleMania.

After facing a minor setback in the form of a loss to Sin Cara on SmackDown, Barrett’s post-match mauling of the masked Superstar proved that the Brit is incredibly dangerous even in defeat. How will Barrett prove his dominance this week?

Tune in to Raw at 8/7 CT on USA Network, and be sure to tune in to Raw Pre-Show at 7:30 ET, only on WWE Network.

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WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 5, 2015

1/5/2015

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It’s the first Raw of 2015, a night that should be full of celebration, fun and hope for the future. However, after John Cena was forced to bring The Authority back into power last week, WWE seems to be entering its darkest days yet. With Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt set to tear each other apart in an Ambulance Match, there’s already a sense of foreboding around this Monday night, but it’s also clear that Triple H and Stephanie McMahon will be looking for retaliation against all those who have wronged them in recent months. What awaits on this historic Raw? WWE.com has some ideas.

1.) Who will leave Raw in an ambulance?

Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt have been involved in all manner of hellacious contests, including aTables, Ladders & Chairs Match, a Boot Camp Match and even a Miracle on 34th Street Fight before Christmas. Yet, the unhinged rivals are set to make history Monday night when they battle in an Ambulance Match — the first such bout on Raw.

The only way to win an Ambulance Match is to incapacitate your foe and throw them into the back of an ambulance, and as seasoned Superstars like Kane and John Cena can attest, it’s the kind of stipulation that can change a competitor forever. Who will score the defining victory in one of WWE’s most barbaric rivalries in recent memory?

2.) Who will The Authority punish?

In his most disgusting act yet, Seth Rollins threatened severe injury to WWE Hall of Famer Edge last week on Raw to force John Cena to reinstate The Authority — a decision the Cenation leader would have never made otherwise. Now, the hard work of Cena’s Survivor Series squad — namely indomitable Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler — is seemingly all for naught.

Ziggler is likely among the Superstars that will face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon’s wrath this week, as WWE’s power couple seeks to reinforce their control over the WWE locker room. What does The Authority have in store, and who will suffer as a result? Plus, how will Cena deal with being the man responsible for The Authority’s return?

3.) Who's next for The Ascension?

All eyes, it seems, are on WWE’s newest tag team, who picked up two decisive victories last week. First, the face-painted warriors soundly defeated newly former WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & Damien Mizdow on Raw, then Konnor & Viktor utterly demolished two local competitors on SmackDown.

This unusual duo is already poised for big things as we kick off 2015 in WWE. Who will be next to face these snarling Superstars?

4.) Will Roman Reigns face giant-sized payback?

Turnabout was fair play Friday night, when Roman Reigns — just days after Big Show buried him under the announce table — ended SmackDown by similarly leaving The World’s Largest Athlete flattened by furniture. It’s already apparent that Big Show will stop at nothing to halt the momentum of The Big Dog in the weeks leading up to Royal Rumble, and with his allies The Authority back in power, the goliath could be unstoppable as he seeks vengeance after Friday night’s embarrassment. Should Reigns beware on Raw, live in Corpus Christi, Texas?

5.) Who will enter the Royal Rumble Match?

Last Monday night, we witnessed Daniel Bryan make a career-defining decision, announcing he would return to action on Jan. 25 and compete in the 2015 Royal Rumble Match. Although some skeptics still question The “Yes!” Man’s willingness to put his well-being on the line in light of his recent injuries, it’s easy to understand Bryan’s choice based on what’s at stake. Should Bryan win this year’s Royal Rumble Match in Philadelphia, he’ll be catapulted to the main event of WrestleMania for the second year in a row.

However, another Superstar already named for the Royal Rumble Match is Roman Reigns, who sent 12 Superstars over the top rope to set an all-time eliminations record in last year’s match. Who will emerge to join Bryan and Reigns in one of the most anticipated bouts of the year?

Don’t miss the first Raw of 2015 at 8/7 CT on USA Network, and be sure to tune in to Raw Pre-Show at 7:30 ET, exclusively on WWE Network.

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WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 26, 2015

WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 19, 2015

WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 12, 2015

WWE Monday Night Raw Five-Point Preview: January 5, 2015

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