5 Big returns that could happen at WWE RAW's Netflix Premiere

WWE is gearing up with several huge matches and potential returns for the RAW premiere on Netflix on January 6. Liv Morgan will defend the Women's World Championship against Rhea Ripley.

Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa will collide in a Tribal Combat match. Seth Rollins and CM Punk will attempt to settle the score on the huge night. Those matches will be mixed with potential returns from WWE legends or other stars.

Which big names might crash the huge night? Several names make sense. The next five stars could make a big impact at the RAW Premiere on Netflix.

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#5. Randy Orton could return for his pound of flesh

Randy Orton has been off SmackDown since Kevin Owens piledrived him during his recent heel turn. Owens was upset that Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns were getting a pass for everything after Reigns abused his spot atop WWE for nearly four years.

The Viper is still likely to pop back up anytime soon. If The Prizefighter or The American Nightmare appears on the RAW premiere on Netflix, he could emerge to get revenge on Owens.

Given how things have played out over the last few months, Orton could also turn on Cody Rhodes. That would set up the mentor/student match many fans have hoped for since Rhodes won the Undisputed WWE title.

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#4. John Cena's retirement tour starts at the RAW Netflix Premiere

The Rock and John Cena could also make shocking returns to WWE during the RAW premiere on Netflix, but WWE can’t load up on too many big names.

Cena is supposed to start his retirement tour next year, so showing up on the premiere would make sense. He could declare for the Royal Rumble or start his first feud on the Road to WrestleMania.

Challenging Gunther for the World Heavyweight title at the Royal Rumble is also possible. One of the ongoing angles throughout his tour should be trying to win a 17th Championship to break Ric Flair‘s record. How he does it is up for grabs.

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#3. Becky Lynch could revamp a flailing division

One big name that's been out of action since June is Becky Lynch. The Man didn't ink a new deal after her prior contract expired in June of this year.

She faced Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 40 but fell short. Due to an unfortunate injury to Mami, Lynch won the vacant title but was cheated out of it by Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio.

She could show up because of the Women's World Championship match between Liv Morgan and Ripley. Lynch is the only RAW star to hold that title in 2024.

The Man could make a triumphant return to WWE RAW by challenging the winner to a big match after the premiere.

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#2. Brock Lesnar could still fit into WWE's current landscape

Has The Beast Incarnate wrestled his last match for WWE or will he return in 2025? (Image Credit: WWE.com).

Another huge return that has been speculated about but is still uncertain is that of Brock Lesnar. The Beast hasn’t shown up in WWE since losing to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam in 2023.

WWE has established several new stars over the last year and a half, and many new feuds are waiting for The Beast Incarnate. He could battle Bron Breakker, Gunther or even go after the new Bloodline.

With Drew McIntyre turning heel, there's always a chance to revisit the feud, but with the roles reversed. If things line up right, Brock Lesnar might crash the Netflix premiere.

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#1. Aleister Black's return to WWE would send shockwaves in the industry

There have been conflicting reports surrounding Malakai Black's contract with AEW. Some claim he initially signed a five-year deal in 2022, meaning he wouldn't be available until 2027.

Others state that he has option years built in and could be free as soon as January 2025. Black hasn't been used consistently in AEW and seemingly had a farewell during his match with Adam Cole in November.

He also competed in tag team action a few days later on Collision. The whole manner in which he appeared screamed of a sendoff.

Having a former star who has been with AEW showing up on RAW's debut on Netflix would be a huge moment for WWE.