Even with the entire planet still buzzing over the groundbreaking announcement of WWE Network, Batista’s return looming large and Royal Rumble fast approaching, here are five items that make tonight’s Raw must-watch programming at 8/7 CT on USA Network.
1. Daniel Bryan to team with Bray Wyatt
Rey Mysterio & The Usos face the newest member of The Wyatt Family Daniel Bryan, as well as Luke Harper & Erick Rowan.
On Old School Raw last Monday, a miscommunication among Wyatt Family members Daniel Bryan, Luke Harper & Erick Rowan resulted in falling to Rey Mysterio & The Usos. This week, Bryan partners with Bray Wyatt to take on the Uso brothers in a rematch. What will unfold when the creepy group's leader takes The Beard under his wing?
2. The Viper to confront The Authority
Champions collide on SmackDown when Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston goes one-on-one with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton.
On Friday, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero pit WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton against Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston. Furious that Guerrero had not consulted with him first, Orton demanded to speak with WWE COO Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. With The Authority nowhere to be found, though, the champion vowed to give the power couple “a piece of my mind” on Raw.
3. Colossal conflict
A big match is made for Royal Rumble on "Miz TV".
After Big Show’s stunning attack on Brock Lesnar on Old School Raw, he threw down a giant-size gauntlet on SmackDown, challenging The Beast to a match at Royal Rumble. Lesnar wasn’t there to accept, but Paul Heyman was, and he had no reservations about making the match official. Who will make the next move as the collision between these two goliaths approaches at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view?
4. Shield solidified?
The Shield almost overtake Piper's Pit on Old School Raw.
For weeks, The Shield’s unity has been tested after a slew of Superstars have asked if there is a “best” member of the group. Although the line of questioning appeared to rattle the trio, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and U.S. Champion Dean Ambrose worked together to dismantle CM Punk &The New Age Outlaws on SmackDown. Is the victory enough to make all doubters stop asking questions about the strength of The Shield, or will the black-clad Superstars carry their momentum into Raw and make another emphatic statement?
5. Get ready to Rumble!
Don't miss Royal Rumble on Sunday, Jan. 26 where Batista will be one of the 30 WWE Superstars who will compete for chance to main event WrestleMania 30.
So far, we know Batista and Alberto Del Rio are in the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match. With 28 spots to fill, will more competitors be named on Raw? As the January 26 pay-per-view fast approaches and paves the Road to WrestleMania, who’s driven enough to make a name for himself this year? Be sure to catch Monday’s Raw at 8/7 CT on USA Network.
