WWE RAW PRIMER 11/27: Will Reigns begin an IC Title Open Challenge, Paige follow-up, will Balor lose again, Jordan-Angle

RAW PREVIEW
NOVEMBER 27, 2017
KNOXVILLE, TENN. AT THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor

ANNOUNCED BY WWE.COM

• The Roman Reigns Open I.C. Challenge begins
• Does Raw belong to Paige again?
• Braun looks for revenge against The Big Red Machine

“WELCOME TO THE YARD OF CHAMPIONS”

Since returning from his illness Roman Reigns is on a hot streak. He and his Shield brother’s defeated The New Day at Survivor Series helping team Raw cap off a 4-3 victory over Smackdown for the evening. The next night, he challenged Miz for the Intercontinental Championship…and dethroned the A-Lister after an unexpectedly exciting matchup and marking Roman as a Grand Slam champion. Even better, Roman was cheered thoroughly both nights in Houston, and one wonders if his absence from events really made fans miss him.

As for tonight, Roman promised in a WWE exclusive after his victory that he would be initiating an open challenge for his belt, which if you recall was what helped John Cana gain massive notoriety during his 2015 United States championship run. Who will answer the challenge? Finn Baler seems interested…perhaps Samoa Joe? Maybe an NXT call-up? Your guess is as good as mine considering we do still have 9 weeks before Royal Rumble.

“DID YOU MISS ME?”

Houston sure was in for a slew of good wrestling shows last week. Paige has returned, and hell has returned with her. After being sidelined with injury and Alberto drama for almost 14 months, Paige brought NXT baddies Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose to Monday Nights to stir the pot and BOY what an impact they made. They ran through the top tier talent of the women’s division including the Raw Women’s champion Alexa Bliss. While they probably will avoid Asuka for the time being, this new trio looks to do further damage tonight. After all this time, expect to see the Anti-Diva in action.

“THE LONG ROAD TO THE TOP”

-The Beast Brock Lesnar gets to spend another week off preparing for whoever decides to step up next to challenge him for his Universal Championship. Or should we say, whoever is CHOSEN to challenge next.

-One of the top candidates should be the Demon Finn Balor considering he never got his rematch after turning the belt over due to injury. Rumors have circulated that Finn may be out of contention now due to his “lack” of size and fan support. While one of those things may bother certain “experts” of the wrestle-universe, to argue that Finn is not supported by the majority of fans is asinine. With that said, it does seem that the Irishman is tied up with his former rival Samoa Joe. Perhaps… both men will meet the beast in Philadelphia?

-While the Big Dawg focuses on his I.C. Open Challenge, Dean and Seth look to reclaim their tag-team titles from the Bar. Dean was able to defeat Sheamus last week in one-on-one action. Does that mean that Cesaro and the architect go at it tonight? Perhaps, or perhaps they just give us the title rematch.

-Matt Hardy may not be broken, but he is pissed at the Drifter Elias.

-It was very clear that Braun Strowman was the MVP for the Red team at Survivor Series. However, like most things that have momentum, Kane has returned to derail the Monster Among Men and make him sorry for ever thinking that the Big Red Machine was no longer relevant. Will Braun be looking for revenge? Answer: BRAUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

-Jason Jordan and Kurt Angle’s relationship continues to grow, albeit it has been pretty muddy for the last few weeks. With Triple-H and Stephanie consistently hounding the General Manager, something is looming to explode in the future between all parties mentioned.

-Enzo Amore is still the cruiserweight champion and is still looking for his next contender. With a debuting Hideo Itami coming to the roster soon, will Hideo be coming after the realest guy?

As always a lot happening. You interested?

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: WWE RAW PRIMER 11/20: Triple H to address controversial ending of Survivor Series, how will Miz, Bliss, The Bar cope with losses last night