They say that the road to WrestleMania for WWE begins after the Royal Rumble, which is scheduled to happen later this month. All eyes will be on WWE as they attempt to build WrestleMania, for the second time in a row, during the Pandemic era.
To overcome the absence of fans, WWE will have to rely on the oldest trick in the book- storytelling.
Consequently, one or more surprises could happen through the course of the month of January that shakes up the overall WWE product, thereby becoming major talking points about the show. An interesting show attracts viewers through 'word of mouth', and surprises are the best way to get there.
Be sure to weigh in and let us know which surprises you'd like to see through this month, in the comments.
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#5 The Fiend confronts Goldberg after his WWE Championship match for revenge
Many people are still bristling about the fact that The Fiend's mystique and aura were diminished when Goldberg brought his reign to a halt not long ago in Saudi Arabia.
There is an angle to be explored here and once Goldberg and Drew McIntyre clash, irrespective of the outcome (there's a spoiler on the final page of this article), the match could end with The Fiend returning to settle his score against Goldberg.
The WWE Universe wants to see The Fiend get his comeuppance against Goldberg and this could certainly happen in a cinematic match, that takes us back in time through the former World Champion's storied WCW and WWE career.
Maybe a retirement stipulation is added to the match and The Fiend is responsible for sending Goldberg into the sunset.
But yes, a showdown between The Fiend and Goldberg could most definitely happen following his WWE Championship match.
#4 Charlotte Flair turns on Asuka, saying that she wants the WWE RAW Women's Championship
Booker T has seen it all and done it all in WWE. On the Hall of Fame podcast, he spoke about the state of the WWE RAW women's division and what impact the return of Charlotte Flair will have on it.
However, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer does not think that the alliance between Charlotte Flair and Asuka will last for too long:
To see Charlotte back in action with Asuka, it lets me know, we've got some stuff on the rise over the horizon... c'mon, how long is this love fest gonna last? Not very long. So we know something's coming up," said Booker T.
Could Charlotte Flair come up short at the Royal Rumble, and on the following night, turn on Asuka saying that she wants a shot at the WWE RAW Women's Championship soon?
Maybe she wins the Royal Rumble and shows her true colors to her WWE Women's Tag Team Championship partner on the following episode of RAW.
#3 Brock Lesnar wins the men's Royal Rumble and goes on to challenge the WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania this year
If Brock Lesnar does return to WWE in the Royal Rumble, chances are that he will go on to win the whole thing. Yes, everyone expects him to challenge Drew McIntyre, the man who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble last year, but the fact of the matter is that he could go on to challenge Roman Reigns instead.
Roman Reigns has effectively stolen The Beast's advocate from him, and Brock Lesnar could say that he's coming for the WWE Universal Championship in an act of revenge. The friendship between Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman has been well documented, and WWE could use this as a device to book a feud between both of Heyman's clients.
Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar have faced each other in the past, but Brock Lesnar has never come face-to-face with the Tribal Chief. This is a meaner and more dangerous Roman Reigns than ever before, and even Lesnar has his hands full.
#2 Rhea Ripley wins the Women's Royal Rumble match and goes on to become a member of the WWE RAW brand
One of the best WWE matches of the year 2020 was the contest between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, where both competitors took each other to the distance in an absolutely spectacular contest. Reports have emerged that Rhea Ripley's time in NXT is over and done and that she's ready for the 'main roster'. It must be noted that she came up short in her match at New Year's Evil.
Could Rhea Ripley go on to win the Royal Rumble and challenge WWE RAW Women's Champion Asuka to a match or even Charlotte Flair, if she manages to capture the title from Asuka, to a rematch, based on the fact that they have a score to settle from their first encounter?
WWE RAW is clearly missing a top female performer since Becky Lynch's departure from the company. Rhea Ripley has the ability to bridge this gap. However, it remains to be seen if WWE will indeed go all the way with her or not.
#1 Drew McIntyre is able to defeat Goldberg after a war, but The Miz becomes WWE Champion, beating a weakened McIntyre
SK Wrestling published a spoiler with regard to the WWE Championship match between Goldberg and Drew McIntyre and you can check it out by clicking on the video linked above.
So, when McIntyre presumably beats Goldberg, after eating a few spears, to regain his WWE Championship, The Miz could potentially cash in his contract to end Drew McIntyre's reign for good. There is no better time for him to cash in than when he's been weakened after facing Goldberg in a singles match.
So, the Royal Rumble could end with The Miz being portrayed as the face of WWE RAW, with Drew McIntyre slipping to the bottom of the ranks once again. He has to work his way back up to defeat The Miz at WrestleMania.
Be sure to leave a comment and let us know if you think one or more of these surprises could potentially happen during the course of January in WWE.