Raw Five-Point Preview: Jan. 11, 2016

Raw Five-Point Preview: Jan. 11, 2016

He’s coming. Less than two weeks before the 2016 Royal Rumble event, Brock Lesnar is re-emerging on Raw in New Orleans — the same city The Beast Incarnate made history by ending The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania Streak. What awaits as The Anomaly’s shadow looms over Monday’s Raw? WWE.com has some theories.

The Beast is back!

Raw Five-Point Preview: Jan. 11, 2016

Brock Lesnar never returns unless he means business, and as the WWE Universe prepares to begin The Road to WrestleMania, it’s clear that something — or someone — draws The Beast Incarnate to Raw this Monday.

Perhaps there is symbolic importance to Lesnar’s appearance in New Orleans, the very city in which he conquered The Undertaker’s iconic Streak at WrestleMania 30. Or perhaps Lesnar’s return is tied directly to Mr. McMahon’s bombshell announcement last week that Roman Reigns will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against 29 other Superstars in the 2016 Royal Rumble Match. Might Lesnar have sports-entertainment’s grandest prize in his crosshairs?

Regardless, whatever Lesnar does on this week’s Raw will be something no one wants to miss.

The fight of Reigns’ life

Roman Reigns reacts to being forced to defend the WWE World Heavyweight Title in the Royal Rumble Match: WWE.com Exclusive, Jan. 4, 2016

Following Raw, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns responds to Mr. McMahon's monumental announcement on the future of the World Title at Royal Rumble.

Roman Reigns goes into every battle with a singular mindset: “One Versus All.” That credo resonates even more than usual as The Big Dog prepares for the 2016 Royal Rumble Match, where he’ll defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against 29 other Superstars.

As the bearer of WWE’s crown jewel, Reigns already had a target on his back, but now nearly every Superstar on the roster will be looking to weaken Reigns, either during the Royal Rumble Match or in the two weeks leading up to it. How will Reigns navigate his most perilous challenge yet? 

Is a U.S. Title Match in Kalisto’s future?

Just like John Cena says ... : WWE.com exclusive, January 7, 2016

In front of John Cena and the WWE Universe, Kalisto shocked the world on SmackDown's USA Network debut.

Thursday night on SmackDown, John Cena introduced Kalisto as U.S. Champion Alberto Del Rio’s opponent, and after The Essence of Excellence refused to put his title on the line, The Lucha Dragon scored an upset victory over the boastful League of Nations member.

Following Kalisto’s non-title win over Del Rio — perhaps the biggest accomplishment in his career thus far — is the masked marvel in line for a U.S. Title opportunity? 

The carnage continues

Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens - Intercontinental Title Match: SmackDown, January 7, 2016

The Lunatic Fridge looks to defend his title against the ruthless prizefighter.

Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens held nothing back in SmackDown’s monumental first main event on its new permanent home, USA Network, where the bitter rivals brawled to a no-contest and continued to pummel each other around the arena until the show went off the air. It was a wince-inducing crash through tables that ultimately ended the mayhem, but something tells us this battle will continue on Raw. 

Will Becky get payback against the Flairs?

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte - Divas Championship Match: SmackDown, January 7, 2016

Former friends clash in a fierce contest for the Divas Title.

After suffering a brutal beatdown from Charlotte on Raw, Becky Lynch faced her former friend in a Divas Championship Match on SmackDown. Were it not for the meddling of Charlotte’s father, two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, The Lass Kicker would be holding the butterfly-emblazoned title right now.

The Nature Boy’s interference on Thursday night clearly infuriated Becky, who will no doubt continue her pursuit of both retribution and the Divas Championship on Raw. Will we see a new, more aggressive side of The Lass Kicker?

Don’t miss Raw at 8/7 C on USA Network, and be sure to tune in to Raw Pre-Show at 7:30 ET, only on the award-winning WWE Network.

WWE Shows Latest Results

View all Shows