WWE RAW: 3 big backstage rumors that could have a major impact on tonight's show (9th December)

Welcome to this week's edition of the rumors you need to know prior to RAW. Last week, we had discussed how Brock Lesnar will not be active on RAW up until Royal Rumble, among other things. And this week too we have some interesting rumors that may have a major impact on Monday Night RAW.

From Vince McMahon being high on a particular storyline to the possible match for two former WWE Champions at TLC, let us take a look at these big rumors:

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#3 More focus on the Lana-Rusev-Lashley storyline

One of the most controversial angles in WWE recently seems to be high on Vince McMahon's list of 'good stuff.' Love it or hate it, there is no denying that the story has become the talk of the town and whether it is to rip the edgy content being shown or to praise the effort being put in by the Superstars involved, it has indeed become one of the most talked-about angles on RAW each week.

A recent report from WrestlingNews.co has stated that Vince McMahon loved the segment from last week on RAW, and he is interested in keeping the story going. They also stated that the angle is being viewed as a 'car wreck', with the connotation that a 'car wreck never fails to draw attention'.

Rusev is also getting a lot of praise backstage:

Additionally, Rusev has been praised for the work he's put into making the storyline somewhat tolerable for the fans. The 'Bulgarian Brute' has received great reactions in recent weeks on TV and that is one of the positive takeaways from the feud.

(H/t: Sportskeeda)

Even though many fans and critics, including Corey Graves, have called for this angle to be canned, a seal of approval from Vince McMahon means it will only get a larger chunk of screen time on RAW.

#2 Don't expect Cedric Alexander to be showcased

While former 205 Live Superstars Cedric Alexander and Humberto Carrillo had made a major mark for themselves when they arrived on RAW, it looks like the good times for these two young stars is over.

As per a report from WrestlingNews.co, Vince McMahon is not very keen on Cedric Alexander:

Everything I’ve heard about him is that he is well-liked backstage and I have not heard of anything that he might have done to rub people the wrong way so it looks like McMahon simply cooled off on him.

Cedric Alexander gained a lot of popularity after the Cruiserweight Classic and also become one of the driving factors of 205 Live. The former Cruiserweight Champion was reportedly liked by Paul Heyman who even tried to push him initially.

The report also states that WWE is looking at Humberto Carrillo and Ricochet as the bright young stars to push on RAW, and Alexander will have to take a backseat for now.

Do you think Cedric Alexander deserves to get a major push? Tell us in the comments!

#1 Randy Orton to feud with AJ Styles

Randy Orton is a character that is hard to decipher. Be it face or heel, 'The Viper' remains one of the most enigmatic and popular stars on the roster.

Judging by last week's events on RAW it might seem as though WWE is building towards a Drew McIntyre/ Randy Orton feud, but WOR has stated that The Viper is set to face The Phenomenal One at TLC.

Here is what Cagesideseats has stated:

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Bayley vs. Lacey Evans and AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton are currently planned for TLC.

Here is what the entire rumored card for TLC looks like as ber The Observer:

1. Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley
2. Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin (Stipulation match)
3. Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane (WWE Women's Tag Team titles match)
4. The Viking Raiders vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (RAW Tag Team titles match)
5. The New Day vs. Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler (SmackDown Tag Team titles match)
6. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles
7. Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins
8. Braun Strowman vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Intercontinental title match)
9. Aleister Black vs. Buddy Murphy

With Orton set to face AJ Styles at TLC, we can expect the two legends to clash inside the ring on RAW tonight.

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