WWE RAW PRIMER 1/29: Ronda Rousey’s first Raw as a member of the Raw roster, how will Braun Strowman respond, more Rumble follow-up

RAW PREVIEW
JANUARY 29, 2018
PHILADELPHIA, PA. AT WELLS FARGO CENTER
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTorch contributor

ANNOUNCED BY WWE.COM

• Ronda Rousey is here. How will here future be addressed?
• What havoc will Braun Strowman wreak?
• How will Seth Rollins respond to last night’s defeat?
• Can the Miz make carry the I.C. belt all the way through to WrestleMania?

“HISTORY BELONGS TO THE LADIES”

What a weekend in Philly. The city of brotherly love may be the most hyped they’ve been in years thanks to their Eagles being in the Super Bowl, but a small visit from WWE has certainly assisted in that glorious euphoria. It helps that last night’s Royal Rumble was not only one of the best in years, but featured another step forward for the history-making women’s division. The Empress Asuka triumphed yet again, and it is clear that NO ONE is ready for her, not the legends of yesterday, not the future stars of the brand, NOT EVEN THE BELLA TWINS. She carried herself through adversary and now has a scheduled date at WrestleMania to hold the gold. Interestingly enough, that wasn’t the biggest story.

That’s because former bantamweight champion and UFC star Ronda Rousey appeared post Rumble to let her presence be felt. She didn’t say anything, or get physical in anyway, but she did send a very clear message: She WILL BE competing at WrestleMania. Ronda achieved this message via SIGN POINTING, but who or whom she ends up facing is not fully clear yet. Best guess would be for her to clash with SD Champion Charlotte Flair since the former baddest woman on the planet and the lineage of the Nature Girl have the most media play. Will we find out more on Ronda’s plans tonight? WWE.COM sure thinks we will.

This shouldn’t distract you from the other massive happenings of the first ever women’s rumble. Sasha Banks made it to the final four from the #1 spot and even went full BOSS MODE HEEL by eliminating her bestie Bayley and even organizing a coup with the Bellas to try and neutralize Asuka. Eventually that famous Rumble formula played out and the Bellas instead eliminated her. Nia had a nice showing but was thrown out by the majority, and it was nice to see Lita, Trish Stratus, Molly Holly, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, and even Vickie Guerrerro had a nice brief cameo. Overall, I’d give the first outing two big thumbs up, especially since the right woman one. Only person who may not be pleased is Raw Champion Alexa Bliss, because as of now, she is Asuka’s dinner in New Orleans.

“DOWN NOT OUT”

-Brock Lesnar earned himself a night off after once again defending his prestigious Universal Championship by pinning Kane. That doesn’t sit well with Braun Strowman, who seemingly manhandled Brock for a strong portion of the night once again but couldn’t get the job done when the time came. That’s bad news for someone this evening in Philly, but will Braun finally leave Brock in the past and move on? Probably not, since if you recall Braun is not great at BEING FINISHED WITH PEOPLE.

-Roman Reigns had another strong Rumble outing. Since 2014 the Big Dawg has finished second, third, second, and of course was the winner in 2015 last time WWE was in the Wells Fargo Arena for the Rumble. (We all remember how that went.) Since Shinsuke bested him it doesn’t seem like those two will be squaring off anytime soon so what should we expect of Roman this evening? He does still have an automatic rematch clause for the Intercontinental Title against the A-Lister.

-Another strong competitor last night was Finn Balor, who lasted an astounding 57 minutes entering at the #2 spot and even made it as far as the final four. Was this the resurgence that Finn needed? I think so, but what to do with some positive momentum remains to be seen.

-Elias and John Cena are clearly looking to tear each other apart. The Drifter was surviving just fine until Big Match John tossed him out. Both will be at the arena this evening so prepare for some guitar playing, and hopefully guitar smashing.

-For the fourth time in a short time Cesaro and Sheamus are the Raw tag-team champions. At some point we have to see a title feud that doesn’t involve Seth Rollins facing off with the Bar especially considering the best tag-team on the planet is being wasted on the pre-show. Jason Jordan’s injury was the key factor in the loss and Seth had to go at it by himself for 90% of the action. I’m not a mind reader, but I have a feeling the architect is none too happy about that, and will probably let J.J. know how he feels.

-No clear direction on crowning a new Cruiserweight Champion yet…. BUT THE GREATEST CRUISERWEIGHT OF ALL TIME REY MYSTERIO DID RETURN IN THE RUMBLE SO HERE’S TO HOPING THAT HE AND CEDRIC AND MUSTAFA AND THE REST OF THE DIVISION HAVE HUNDREDS OF MATCHES TOGETHER.

Night three in Philadelphia for Monday Night Raw and the post-Rumble fallout show. How will the road to Wrestlemania begin?

NOW CATCH UP ON LAST WEEK’S RAW: KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT 1/22: 25th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw including Vince McMahon, Two Locations, Parade of Superstars