WWE RAW - 5 Surprises that could happen this week - Stone Cold Steve Austin returns to confront an unexpected star, Major heel turn

The episode of WWE RAW that follows WWE Elimination Chamber is designed to officially lead us into WrestleMania season. Everything usually picks up at this time, which is why the surprises suggested in this article are certainly no-holds-barred.

With Bobby Lashley out of the picture for the foreseeable future with a legitimate injury, several superstars could step up and make quite the impression. So with that in mind, here are some surprises that could potentially happen during the show. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts about all of them in the comments. Also, if you have a few surprises in mind, voice them out!

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#5 Stone Cold Steve Austin returns to WWE RAW in the first major surprise and takes Austin Theory down

Rumors about the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin to pro wrestling continue to swirl. With this in mind, it just makes sense for WWE RAW to hold off a potential Kevin Owens showdown until WrestleMania. If Austin delivers a stunner to Kevin Owens this soon, WWE might greatly reduce any interest in their potential upcoming WrestleMania match.

One interesting segment to earmark his return to WWE RAW could be an Austin vs. Austin showdown. We know that Vince McMahon has a new Austin under his wing now, and his name is Austin Theory. Could the young star eat a brutal stunner on this week's show? It's certainly possible, given his association with the WWE Chairman.

Theory has clearly been recognized as a star who's destined to do great things. For this reason, Vince McMahon may not necessarily be opposed to him working with an all-time great like Austin. In fact, sharing the screen with Stone Cold could potentially do wonders for the young man's career.

#4 Lita and Rhea Ripley team up as WrestleMania season approaches

Considering the great match that Lita had with Big Time Becks on Saturday, it would be a mistake to let her ride off into the sunset this early. While she's still around, she could align with WWE RAW Superstar Rhea Ripley to take on the Women's Tag Team Champions!

Zelina Vega and Carmella need strong opponents with WrestleMania on the horizon and this dream team is just what the doctor ordered. How's Extreme Nightmare for a team name?

#3 Mr. McMahon and Kevin Owens form an alliance

If Stone Cold Steve Austin is indeed coming back to the company, there needs to be some kind of Austin vs. McMahon storyline, given their historic rivalry. Likewise, if Kevin Owens is going to be Stone Cold's opponent, then McMahon and Owens need to form some sort of alliance to keep the Texas Rattlesnake at bay.

The focus could then shift from someone like Austin Theory and move over to Kevin Owens. This development would create a sub-plot and lay the groundwork for a compelling feud heading into WWE's biggest show of the year.

#2 Becky Lynch chops off Bianca Belair's biggest weapon

The biggest issue with WWE RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch is that she is far too likable. She puts on incredible matches, and even when she turns on the crowd, it is easy to naturally root for her. Following Bianca Belair's win at WWE Elimination Chamber, WWE should start building up her feud with Big Time Becks.

Lynch will likely try to to take away Belair's biggest weapon heading into WrestleMania; to do so, she will need to chop off Belair's signature braid. This harsh act would certainly establish Lynch as the clear heel in the storyline. Cutting Belair's hair off is well within the realm of possibility, and this angle would add plenty of heat to the feud.

#1 Dominik turns on Rey Mysterio on WWE RAW

As WrestleMania season approaches, it may be necessary to establish a few singles feuds for the marquee stars. Rey vs. Dominik Mysterio is certainly one such program that can launch the young man to the stars.

This clash could be a retirement match for the seasoned veteran on the grandest stage. Is there anyone better suited to send Mysterio off into the sunset than his own son?