Raw Five-Point Preview: Jan. 19, 2015
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, Jimmy Hart, Billy Gunn and Ron Simmons. What awaits on this all-star evening?
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.
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?
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?
Will Reigns and Big Show clash once again before the Royal Rumble Match?
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?
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