Monday Night RAW Predictions: April 16, 2018

The upcoming episode of Raw will feature the first half of the Superstar Shake-Up. Fans around the world are busy speculating who will get traded between the two shows.

Notably, a couple of Superstars made their returns after WrestleMania 34, along with a few who debuted to the main roster from the NXT.

The storylines for these performers are not very clear. In the midst of uncertainty, here are the predictions for this Monday Night.

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#6 The Universal Championship Picture

Will he walk out as the champion in two weeks?

WWE has announced that Brock Lesnar will face Roman Reigns in a steel cage match in two weeks at the Greatest Royal Rumble. Notably, both wrestlers faced a lot of heat from the fans when they closed the show at WrestleMania 34.

This might be the last time when we see 'The Big Dog' in a Championship match against the reigning Champion. It looks probable that the loser of this match will get traded to SmackDown Live to provide a break to this rivalry.

It would be interesting to see how WWE pulls off this move with the Shake-Up this week. Are we looking at a possible stipulation of "Loser Leaves Raw" to be added to their match?

#5 Charlotte Flair gets traded for Asuka

Does Carmella's win meansCharlotte Flair is coming to Raw?

The SmackDown Live Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 34 was an absolute classic. However, Charlotte Flair also became the latest victim of the Money in the Bank contract last week.

This makes it easier for Raw to acquire the “Queen” as she no longer holds a Championship which is specific to another brand. WWE will try to protect the aura of her phenomenal match against Asuka. Hence, it looks very likely that she will be traded for the “Empress of Tomorrow”.

Overall it looks like a safe bet to predict that the former-champion will be heading to Raw.

#4 The Tag Team Division Permutations

Would we see these former tag-team champions back on Raw?

This division on both the shows desperately needs a shuffling. The Bar didn’t even have a proper tag-team to compete against at WrestleMania 34. To make things worse, the titles they lost were subsequently relinquished by the winners on the following episode of Raw.

Similarly, SmackDown Live has consistently featured either the Usos or the New Day in their tag-team championship matches. Hence, it looks obvious that Shane McMahon (or better read Paige) will try to trade the New Day for another tag team.

It will be interesting to see how Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn fits into this whole picture.

#3 What’s next for Ronda Rousey?

This has taken their rivalry to a whole new level.

Last week on Raw, Ronda Rousey locked Armbar on Stephanie McMahon's injured arm. It will be interesting to see how WWE proceeds further with her in terms of storyline.

It is very unlikely the “Billion Dollar Princess” would be looking to fire one of their top signings. Also, she won’t be looking to trade the “Rowdy One” to SmackDown Live after only one match.

Not to mention, fans would love to see the “Baddest” woman on the planet to get a shot at the Raw’s Women’s Championship. Let’s see how Raw books her future matches.

#2 The fresh faces will get traded

Last week was all about returns and debuts.

Last week, both Bobby Lashley and Jeff Hardy made their much-awaited return to WWE. Ember Moon also made her debut on Raw. Although Raw gained a lot of Superstars last week, it also means they have a lot more to lose now as we approach the Superstar Shake-Up.

It is possible that Raw is going to lose a few of their recent signings this week. However, it would be interesting to see who they trade these Superstars for?

The two Superstars Raw would be eyeing to pick should be the Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler. Hence, these two are major picks for the trade war.

#1 The homecoming of the 'Yes' movement

Let it run wild once again.

It is almost inevitable that Raw is going to acquire the man who headlined WrestleMania 30. Notably, Daniel Bryan dominated the entire Evolution faction when he won the Championships.

He has served for a couple of years as the General Manager for SmackDown Live. Hence, it makes sense for him to come back as a wrestler on a different show.

Earlier this week, I made bold predictions for the Superstar Shake-Up along with the reasons behind each of them. As a writer as well as a fan, I am curious to find out how the landscape of WWE is going to change this week on Raw. Stay tuned and enjoy the show.

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