8 things WWE subtly told us on RAW: Possible spoiler on Royal Rumble winner, Popular star finally set for big title win? (January 25th, 2021)

#4. Has AJ Styles become RAW's gatekeeper?

R-Truth vs. AJ Styles on RAW

AJ Styles attempted to block a third superstar from entering the Men's Royal Rumble match. He only got a free entry on RAW because of his status as a 2-time WWE Champion.

Since then, he defeated Drew Gulak and Ricochet to prevent them from earning a Royal Rumble spot. R-Truth went to Adam Pearce and said that he was ready to compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match. A puzzled Adam Pearce was met by AJ Styles, who offered to face R-Truth on RAW.

According to WWE Official @ScrapDaddyAP, @RonKillings will face @AJStylesOrg TONIGHT to secure a spot in the #RoyalRumble THIS SUNDAY. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/BqgRBwC5KH

— WWE (@WWE) January 26, 2021

The stipulation, of course, was that a win for R-Truth on RAW would secure him a spot in the Men's Royal Rumble match. It was a good match, but it's no surprise that AJ Styles won once again. We're not sure why WWE is preventing so many names from entering the Royal Rumble.

.@AJStylesOrg put an end to @RonKillings' #RoyalRumble hopes. 😢#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Kohn6foPBK

— WWE (@WWE) January 26, 2021

If a superstar like Ricochet made an appearance at the Rumble, it would mean that the last few weeks had pointless matches. But AJ Styles has essentially become RAW's gatekeeper.