7 Things WWE subtly told us on RAW: Another controversial break up teased, 19-time champion to suffer a big defeat soon?

Welcome to this week's edition of things WWE subtly told us on RAW. It was the second-last episode of the red brand in 2021 and it was an eventful, packed episode that had eight matches and segments announced in advance - something that the company rarely does.

So far, WWE has announced four big matches for the final RAW of 2021 (which is also the final live episode of WWE TV for the year), one of which is Damian Priest vs. Dolph Ziggler for the US Title. The match was made after Priest was counted out in his non-title match vs. the veteran.

Rhea Ripley easily disposed of Queen Zelina in a rematch, and Nikki A.S.H. was watching for backstage. It seemed to have been hinted that Ripley is better off without her, which could mean a split is coming soon.

Other than that, let's look at what WWE subtly told us on this stacked episode of RAW:

---

#7. The WWE title picture and the unexpected alliance on RAW

RAW started with a confrontation between Big E and the man he dethroned to become the WWE Champion - Bobby Lashley. For some reason, Lashley said that even MVP was ready to take on E, and the match seemed to be made - all while MVP was still using his walking stick and wearing a suit.

Bobby Lashley watched on before Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins jumped him from behind. While he managed to hold his own, it was an indication that Rollins and Owens would align, even if it is only for ten days.

Both superstars acknowledged Lashley as the biggest threat, which is why they weren't exactly pleased when Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce told them that they would face Big E and Bobby Lashley in the main event of the show.

What was interesting to note was that later backstage, MVP was having a conversation with The All Mighty. He asked him about the "match" with Big E and whether Lashley had a backup plan to jump the WWE Champion before he could do anything.

Bobby Lashley didn't say anything and simply asked MVP to bring him water so he could hydrate. This was a crucial moment that went under the radar. It hinted at Lashley disposing of MVP and ending their 18-month-long alliance - one that has elevated The All Mighty to world champion status.

This would, of course, be a controversial move - just like the decision to have The Hurt Business break-up right before WrestleMania. Even their supposed reunion has fallen flat.

Either way, Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins lost after Bobby Lashley picked up the win in the main event of RAW. They aligned together and assaulted the former WWE Champion, with Rollins hitting a curb stomp on the steel steps.

Owens and Rollins seem to be an aligned unit, and it will be interesting to see what direction this takes. Either they could remain allies post-Day 1 when they potentially fail to win the WWE title, or their alliance lasts for just ten days. Either way, it could be the start of a WrestleMania-related program.

#6. Randy Orton and the shift in RAW Tag Team title feud

A couple of weeks on, the RK-Bro-Nament on RAW is still at a halt. The four-team tournament was supposed to feature The Street Profits vs. The Mysterios for tag team title contendership, but Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have been absent since then.

During that time, The Mysterios and even RK-Bro have been occupied in different areas. With regards to the RAW Tag Team Champions, Riddle wasn't present on show the tonight. It was Randy Orton alone and he faced Chad Gable in an enjoyable match.

Gable also had one of the best sells of the RKO in years, and Orton picked up the win. Similar to last week, The Viper tried hitting the RKO on Otis but failed miserably. This time, it was multiple attempts and the latter simply shoved him away, leading the 19-time champion to look in amazement and shock.

Otis vs. Randy Orton has been announced for next week's show, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the Alpha Academy member pick up the win over Orton, especially the way he is being presented. It would be a big upset, but one with a good story on the red brand.

#5. Bianca Belair to move on quickly on RAW

While we thought that Doudrop vs. Bianca Belair on RAW was meant to set up a Day 1 clash, that doesn't seem to be the case. The first time the two women went head-to-head, the former got herself counted out.

The second time on RAW, Belair cleverly finished Doudrop without using the KOD. This week was dubbed as the final chapter of their rivalry, and given the finish of the first match, it only made sense that Doudrop should have picked up the win to set up the proper rubber match for Day 1.

Either way, the finish of their third bout this week was incredible. In a highlight reel moment, Bianca Belair lifted her opponent (who lifted her legs in the air to make it easier) and finished her with the KOD - leaving the live crowd to gasp and cheer.

It looks like WWE is quickly preparing BBelair for Royal Rumble season. Despite not being in the RAW Women's title picture since November, it seems to be a matter of time before she returns to it, and the road to WrestleMania could be starting early for her.

#4. AJ Styles and Omos to go on different paths on RAW

The break-up finally happened on RAW. AJ Styles and Omos are no longer a unit. After teasing dissent for a while, The Miz confirmed on Miz TV that the giant told him that he felt Styles was holding him back.

While AJ Styles didn't get to confirm it, he and his partner lost to The Mysterios, after which Omos slammed him down and ended their alliance. They face off next week on RAW, and WWE will likely be exploring different avenues for the behemoth as a singles star.

---

#3. Edge gets outplayed even as a smart babyface

In the age of non-intelligent babyfaces in WWE, Edge is a breath of fresh air. He hosted Maryse on The Cutting Edge, a segment that she viewed as a therapy session. While Maryse was airing out all her grievances, The Rated-R Superstar saw right through her and was fully expecting The Miz from behind.

Instead, The A-Lister's music played and he attacked him from behind anyway. The heels kissed and made up, proving that it was all a ploy. Ultimately, The Miz is going to lose at Day 1, so there isn't any harm in him getting one over Edge on the Monday night show.

#2. Austin Theory takes a step back on RAW

Austin Theory faced Finn Balor on RAW this week, one that many fans felt would end in the favor of the 24-year-old. After all, he is the focus of WWE right now and not Balor.

However, in a good bit of storytelling, the veteran humbled Theory with a big victory over him, shocking the young superstar. It even led to him attacking The prince from behind again to make a statement.

Later on the show, Austin Theory met with Vince McMahon, who openly said that he "loves" firing people. It was a bit weird to see that, but he gave him another chance at Finn Balor. It's another rematch that we will see next week on RAW - one where we expect Theory to pick up the win by hook or crook.

It could set up a Day 1 trilogy bout, or the two men could simply be left off the card and conclude their feud on the red brand. However, it looks to be a brief feud and not one that will last too long.

#1. WWE finally started playing to Liv Morgan's strengths on RAW

Liv Morgan has been looking better and better with every passing week on RAW. While her weakness of the mic compared to Becky Lynch was exposed in the early part of their feud, things have gradually changed.

Their last RAW Women's title match was a great one and it seemed to help raise Morgan's stock. Since then, WWE has done a good job with presenting her as a legitimate challenger - one that Lynch has gone from mocking to avoiding.

The angle at The Man's gym saw Liv Morgan pull off a sneak attack, with Becky Lynch being one step ahead before she was eventually restrained by her own students.

Even this week on RAW, the promo battle didn't feel forced or awkward. Instead, WWE seemed to be playing towards Morgan's strengths. It's a shame that she isn't destined to have her women's title win anytime soon, but she's a victim of Big Time Becks being that good.

It will be interesting to see how things play out after Day 1. If WWE pushes and protects Liv Morgan accordingly, she can easily have her championship win in 2022.