Top RAW Rumors: Next WWE Champion, details on Strowman's potential return, Randy Orton's future in the company (28th July)

Welcome to another edition of the top RAW rumors where we discuss the big news and rumors surrounding RAW. This week RAW gave fans another lackluster episode with little build towards SummerSlam and dragged out content.

In today's edition, we will take a look at why Vince McMahon brought Goldberg back, possible details on Braun Strowman's return to RAW and much more. Plus, we will take a look at what the future holds for Randy Orton after his unexplained absence from WWE since June.

So without further ado, let's dive in and take a look at some of the biggest news stories and rumors related to Monday Night RAW.

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#5 Big E could become the next WWE Champion on RAW

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has stated that Big E will most likely cash in his MITB on RAW superstar Bobby Lashley to become the WWE Champion in the future.

Meltzer explained that WWE is not looking to get the Universal title off Roman Reigns anytime soon. And having Big E fail in his cash-in attempt on Reigns would seriously hamper his push. Even if Big E does win the Universal Championship, it will be a very short reign and he will have to drop it back to The Tribal Chief.

''So the most sense would seem to be for E to beat Lashley, who has no contenders on the Raw roster right now. So he could do a surprise cash in on Lashley and switch brands, or switch brands in the draft and then do a cash in. At least on paper that’s the best scenario," stated Meltzer.

Lashley will face Goldberg at SummerSlam. It is unlikely that Goldberg will win a match against Lashley at this point as the All-Mighty has been heavily protected as the WWE Champion.

Do you think Big E is the perfect choice to become the next WWE Champion? Tell us in the comments.

#4 WWE RAW superstar Randy Orton to return soon

Randy Orton has been missing from RAW since June. Despite being in an ongoing storyline with Riddle, The Viper disappeared out of the blue. It was revealed that he has been placed on the inactive/disabled list.

It is being reported that Randy Orton was advertised for a dark match on the August 2nd episode of RAW. Orton will team up with Riddle and Drew McIntyre to take on AJ Styles, Omos and Bobby Lashley.

WrestlingNews.co have now stated that local advertisements in Chicago, IL have essentially confirmed the timeline for Randy Orton's return to WWE. He is being advertised for the August 2nd show.

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#3 Original plan for Jeff Hardy and Karrion Kross on RAW

Former world champion Jeff Hardy was absent from RAW this week due to contracting COVID-19. As per Fightful Select, the original plan for Jeff Hardy for this week's RAW was to defeat NXT Champion Karrion Kross yet again.

The Charismatic Enigma already got a big win over Kross last week as the former WWE Champion beat the NXT Champion in a quick fashion. While there was a huge uproar over WWE's decision to job out Kross in his first match on RAW, it looks like WWE had been planning another big loss for him.

Because Jeff Hardy missed RAW this week, Karrion Kross picked up a win against Keith Lee instead.

#2 Possible reason why Goldberg returned to RAW

Who's next for the #WWEChampion?"I'M NEXT!"@Goldberg has his sights set on @fightbobby!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/wL24FsuVrt

— WWE (@WWE) July 20, 2021

Goldberg returned to RAW last week and will face WWE champion Bobby Lashley at SummerSlam. Many fans questioned WWE's decision to bring Goldberg back instead of pushing new stars.

Bully Ray revealed why Vince McMahon likes Goldberg and keeps bringing him back on his podcast Busted Open. Ray said that he knows that Vince McMahon likes him and wants to get something out of his return.

''Goldberg is an older gentleman who still goes to the gym, looks phenomenal, and Vince McMahon is a mark for that kind of stuff, so opportunities and chances are still given," said Bully Ray about Vince McMahon's opinion of Goldberg,'' said Ray.

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#1 Details on possible Braun Strowman return to WWE

Ain’t nothing but a thang!!! 360 never felt so light!!! #PullUps #Titan #BigAssBack #LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/qN9CdPRIMC

— Adam Scherr (@BraunStrowman) July 21, 2021

Former RAW superstar Braun Strowman was released by WWE a few months back as part of budget cuts. With other released superstars like Mickie James and Aleister Black quickly joining other promotions, Strowman could also join a new company soon.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has stated that WWE is interested in bringing back The Monster Among Men. The reason behind that is that WWE feel Strowman could be scooped up by AEW.

There is interest in bringing Strowman back, especially after recent AEW signings.

Would you like to see Braun Strowman return to WWE? Let us know in the comments section.