Uncle Howdy’s next target, Endgame for The Judgment Day’s title reign? - 4 Directions for The War Raiders following WWE return

The War Raiders, formerly known as The Viking Raiders, finally returned to action tonight during WWE RAW. Erik and Ivar defeated Alpha Academy in the first round of a tournament to determine the next challengers for the World Tag Team Championship.

The Judgment Day's Finn Balor and JD McDonagh are the reigning World Tag Team Champions. The duo captured the titles from Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) on the June 24 episode of RAW after Women's World Champion Liv Morgan interfered in the match.

Listed below are four directions for The War Raiders following their stunning return tonight on RAW.

#4. The War Raiders could return as heels on WWE RAW

Erik and Ivar returned with their War Raiders name and picked up an impressive victory over Otis and Akira Tozawa on WWE RAW. The popular duo could potentially have returned with a new attitude after dealing with injuries this year.

Ivar has not competed in a match since the April 30 edition of NXT. Erik has been out of action with a neck issue since September 2023. The former champions may be determined to win on RAW at all costs and could potentially cheat to become the number one contenders for the World Tag Team Championship on RAW.

#3. The War Raiders could capture the World Tag Team Championship from The Judgment Day

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The Judgment Day's Finn Balor and JD McDonagh have barely defended the World Tag Team Championship since winning the titles in June. Finn Balor squared off against Damian Priest at Bad Blood and lost to The Archer of Infamy. Balor had a backstage conversation with Adam Pearce tonight on RAW and wanted another match against Priest, but the RAW GM didn't appear to be interested.

The War Raiders are former RAW Tag Team Champions and could return as a dominant team once again. Erik and Ivar may be on a mission to become champions once again and could potentially be the team to dethrone The Judgment Day in the weeks ahead.

#2. The War Raiders could enter a rivalry with The Wyatt Sicks on WWE RAW

The Wyatt Sicks debuted on WWE RAW earlier this year and targeted Chad Gable. Uncle Howdy's faction got the better of Gable and American Made in their rivalry and appear to have a new target on the red brand.

Erik and Ivar could decide to go after the mysterious faction if they fail to win the number one contenders tournament for the World Tag Team Championship on RAW. Valhalla (Sarah Logan) could also potentially return if Sister Abigail (Nikki Cross) gets involved in the rivalry. Valhalla did not make an appearance during tonight's edition of RAW.

#1. The duo could break up to become singles stars

WRESTLING: MAR 27 WWE WrestleMania RAW - Source: Getty

Ivar had a successful run as a singles star during Erik's hiatus from the company. He showcased that he has what it takes to make it on his own and gave former North American Champion Oba Femi everything he could handle on the April 30 episode of WWE NXT.

The War Raiders could potentially struggle in the weeks ahead following their impressive victory over Alpha Academy tonight. If the duo fails to get on the same page, Ivar may decide to betray his tag team partner and become a singles star once again in WWE.