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After a brilliant TLC, WWE managed to deliver an exciting episode of Monday Night RAW. As we near Royal Rumble, things are about to get even more exciting as January is one of the most eventful months on the wrestling calendar.
This week's RAW started with Seth Rollins and the AoP laying out a threat to the WWE Universe, before The OC (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) defeated The Viking Raiders. After that, Erick Rowan got the better of an enhancement talent and we saw another video package featuring Liv Morgan.
Furthermore, Bobby Lashley and Lana got engaged in the episode, before the Gauntlet Match to decide the number 1 contender for the United States Championship ended in a DNF. Seth Rollins and the AoP then attacked Rey Mysterio before 'The Architect' challenged 'The Master of the 619' to a United States Championship Match next week. Mysterio accepted the challenge before a main event that saw Randy Orton defeat AJ Styles, thanks to some much-needed support from The Viking Raiders.
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In the following, we take a look at five hints WWE dropped on this week's episode of the Red Brand.
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#5 Where is Brock Lesnar?
Current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar has been nowhere to be seen since Survivor Series, but is expected to show up at Royal Rumble next year, so it was somewhat surprising that he wasn't on this week's RAW.
So far we haven't had many hints on who will be facing Lesnar at Royal Rumble, but it should be noted that Drew McIntyre also wasn't on RAW this week. Is his absence directly linked to 'The Beast Incarnate?'
Maybe Drew McIntyre is next in line for a shot at the WWE Championship. The WWE Universe has been calling for 'The Scottish Psychopath' to be given a championship opportunity and that might just happen very soon.
#4 No new feuds planned for Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair was absent from this week's RAW. Her TLC partner, Becky Lynch, clearly stated on a promo this week that she is going after Asuka, as 'The Empress of Tomorrow' hasn't yet lost to 'The Man.'
The move leaves Charlotte Flair with no subsequent storyline for Royal Rumble. 'The Queen' is always one of the outright favorites for the Women's Royal Rumble in January, but not many expect her to win in 2020.
Because she might not be feuding with anyone come January's big pay-per-view, the chances of her winning the Women's Royal Rumble have increased.
#3 Big plans for The OC
The OC seem to be the flag bearers of WWE's flagship show. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson are almost never absent from any RAW episode and this week, all three had a great showing.
First, it's clear that The Viking Raiders vs The OC is going to be the feud for the RAW Tag Team Championship as we approach Royal Rumble. To add to that, Styles vs Randy Orton seems to be a long-term storyline as the ending of this week's show suggested.
'The Phenomenal One' wouldn't mind a feud with 'The Viper,' but Orton vs Styles has already happened once at WrestleMania, so many fans would like to see something new for both Superstars.
#2 Ricochet has fallen down the pecking order
When Ricochet first joined the main roster, he was one of the hottest Superstars on RAW, but since he lost his United States Championship, WWE's resident superhero has fallen down the pecking order.
On this week's RAW, the up and coming Humberto Carrillo pinned Ricochet during the Gauntlet Match and that isn't a good sign for the former United States Champion.
Carrillo has just joined RAW and the fact that he is being pushed over Ricochet means Vince McMahon has likely halted the latter's push. This could also mean that wrestling fans might not see Ricochet in a singles feud until Royal Rumble.
#1 Seth Rollins' stable with the AoP resembles the Authority days
It's been one hell of a ride for the Seth Rollins character. Rollins was not long ago considered the face of Monday Night RAW, but after last week's shocking betrayal and subsequent alliance, has become one of WWE's top heels.
During this week's promo, Rollins stated that he will force his will on the WWE Universe and the AoP will help him do the same. Now, this is something we have heard before, haven't we? When Rollins joined The Authority, he usually came out on top in every match because of the backup he had. His promo this week suggested that this new heel stable with the AoP could be somewhat similar. Don't be surprised if 'The Architect' rides a wave of cheap victories to the very top of WWE in 2020.
