5 Surprises that could take place on RAW next week

This week's episode of RAW was a very pleasant surprise. We aren't always very happy when we're done watching the show. But this week, WWE actually gave the fans what they wanted to see and as a result, the viewership was strong. Finn Balor's ascent to the top of the men's division made many fans very happy.

How does WWE continue the momentum that they built up on last week's show? They could continue to do exactly the same thing they did last week. Or they could book a bunch of surprises that would potentially make their fans very happy indeed.

Personally, I'd pick the latter approach because mixing it up and keeping things fresh is always a better approach to take, especially from the perspective of the WWE Universe. If someone is putting in three hours of their time into watching the product, it's WWE's prerogative to make it worth their while, I think.

Here are 5 surprises that they should book on the show.

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#5 Luke Harper returns to challenge Lashley

What a great Intercontinental Championship feud this could be

Last week, Bobby Lashley defeated Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose to become the Intercontinental Champion in the upset of the year, thus far. We know that the title is referred to as the 'Workhorse Championship'. As a result, Lashley may not have a moment to breathe before someone comes snapping at his heels.

Enter Luke Harper. We know that the Bludgeon Brothers have been cleared for action. But instead of coming back together, what if they decide to go their separate ways instead?

Luke Harper may be the most underrated big man in WWE, from an in-ring perspective. GIving him a shot at the Intercontinental Championship may be a very wise call.

#4 Vince McMahon tells Balor he's not main event material

This could be a great sub-rivalry going into the Royal Rumble pay-per-view

Did you notice how Vince McMahon was almost dismissive of Finn Balor when the main event was announced on this week's episode of RAW? We've known for a while that he likes to push 'big, sweaty men'. Balor does not fit the archetype of what is the traditional WWE Superstar. He definitely does not look like a main event WWE guy.

Could we see yet another storyline set in motion this week featuring McMahon and Balor? McMahon tells Balor that he cannot have him in the main event of the Royal Rumble. And he puts yet another roadblock in Balor's way that he has to overcome.

In this way, WWE could build Balor up as the underdog who overcomes all odds. It could make for a very interesting storyline indeed.

#3 The Wyatt family returns

This could be the big surprise that we've all been waiting for

I had a chance to interact with Matt Hardy last month. Hardy and Wyatt were, of course, in a tag team together. Wyatt hasn't been seen on TV ever since Hardy was written off with an unfortunate injury. This is what Hardy had to say about Wyatt missing TV time:

I think Bray needed a little time off. He'd had a car accident. So, I think it was just a little bit of time off for everyone. So, I think you'll see an evolution of Bray Wyatt and an evolution of Matt Hardy.

There hasn't been a better time for Bray Wyatt to make a comeback to the ring. And this is because The Bludgeon Brothers have been cleared to return to the ring as well. As good as the Matt Hardy-Bray Wyatt run was, I think Wyatt was at his best with the Wyatt Family.

#2 Sasha Banks turns heel

This could make the feud very interesting indeed

Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks are both babyfaces. And therefore, there is a lack of heat between them, ahead of their match. Last week, we saw the beginning of what could be a rift between them.

If you've seen Sasha Banks in NXT, you know that she's at her best as a heel character. We know that WWE is not going to make Ronda Rousey into a heel after the effort they've put in, into building her character. But they could make Banks a heel to build heat before the match.

I know that Sasha Banks would do a great job as a heel because she has modelled herself after Eddie Guerrero, who was one of the greatest heels of all time. By having her tap into her dark side, Banks could lie, cheat and steal her way to victory through nefarious means against Ronda Rousey.

#1 The Revival become Tag Team Champions

This could help WWE in retaining The Revival!

The Revival has been booked in the oddest sort of feud with Roode and Gable. Considering how good the two teams are, they should be booked in one classic match after another. Instead, they're being booked in a storyline where they're getting cheated out of winning the Tag Team titles. Mind you, they are the heels in this storyline.

We also know that The Revival is not happy with their position in the company. They would rather return to NXT than continue in the positions they are in. In fact, AEW may come knocking for them very soon.

What is the best way to retain the services of Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson? The easiest thing to do would be to just put the Tag Team titles on them.

This could keep them loyal to the company for some time at least!